Scream

So that one day

A hundred years from now

another sister will not have to

dry her tears wondering

where in history

she lost her voice.

 

Jasmine Kaur

 

Last night, a poignant candlelight vigil took place at the Rose Garden of Kilmore District Hospital (KDH). The purpose was to commemorate and honor the lives lost due to domestic and family violence. The bluestone building at Kilmore District Health was illuminated in purple, symbolizing solidarity with this critical cause. The vigil, organized by Safe Steps, a Victorian family violence crisis service, provided a space for people to share stories and remember those who tragically lost their lives.

National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day, observed on the first Wednesday of May each year, coincided with this solemn event. Across Australia, candlelight vigils and public landmarks bathed in purple light serve as poignant reminders of the devastating impact of family violence. This month-long initiative aims to raise awareness about the profound social and personal consequences of domestic and family violence, while also emphasising the importance of community support for survivors and victims.

Nurse Educator and Associate Nurse Unit Manager Regula ‘Regi’ McKinlay, one of the organisers, said, “For the last four years KDH has joined the Safe Steps evening of reflection and remembrance to honour the memories and help bring light to this national crisis by lighting a candle and illuminating the heritage hospital building in purple. The Candlelight Vigil is a powerful space for our staff and our community to come together to mourn, share, connect. “

Tanya Ellis, Program Manager for Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence (SHRFV), says, “Family violence is a prevalent and serious health issue that has a profound impact on the psychological and physical well-being of victim survivors.  Victim survivors are among our community and frequently present to our health service. The health service is a critical entry point for many people, which presents as on opportunity for identification, response and referral.”

She adds, “At Northern Health, Family Violence Training is mandatory for all staff members and volunteers.  Please ensure to complete this training and use the Family Violence Screening & Identification Tool when working with a patient who has disclosed family violence.”

Mental Health Division Specialist Family Violence Advisor, Amanda Dashwood, says, “The Family Violence Protection Act 2008, recognises that family violence is a fundamental violation of human rights. Our procedure requires us to screen every consumer for family violence under the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Management (MARAM) Framework.

Startling Statistics:

• On average, police respond to a family violence incident every six minutes in Victoria.
• Victim survivors often experience increased violence from perpetrators after the relationship has ended.
• Children are present in 30 per cent of family violence incidents attended by police.
• Women are nearly three times more likely than men to experience violence from a current or former partner.
• Aboriginal women face a staggering 33 times higher risk of hospitalization due to family violence compared to non-Aboriginal women.
• In April last year, there were 14 violent deaths of women in Australia, whereas this April saw 26 such tragic losses. This translates to one woman’s life lost every 4.38 days in 2024.

Source: https://safeandequal.org.au/understanding-family-violence/statistics/

As Premier Jacinta Allan said, “Behind every statistic is a woman, is a family, and a community who are grieving.”

So, how can you help somebody experiencing domestic violence? Amanda has this advice. “Make it clear that you want to help. They may or may not be ready to talk. Hold that space. Listen, believe and let them know the abuse is not their fault. Let them know you will check in with them again and are there to help.” Lastly, she says, “Provide referral options and remind them to call 000 in an emergency.”

Tanya says, “The SHRFV Team is also available to facilitate family violence training in a face-to-face capacity.  Please contact the SHRFV Team if you would like to organise training in your area (8405 8519).”

If you are concerned about your safety, or the safety of someone you know, please talk to a health professional or contact a Family Violence Specialist Service:

Safe Steps 24/7: 1800 151 188

The Orange Door: 1800 319 355

1800 RESPECT 24/7: 1800 737 732”

 

Picture shows Bec van de Paverd, Director of Nursing and Site Director, Kilmore District Hospital, at the vigil.

Today, 1 May 2024, marks six months since Northern Health and Kilmore District Health joined to become a stronger health service, caring for the growing and diverse needs of the northern catchment, together.

On 1 November, 2023, Kilmore District Health became a campus of Northern Health, joining an existing network of services across Craigieburn, Bundoora, Broadmeadows, Epping, Mill Park, Preston and Mernda. Under the Northern Health brand, the service itself became known as Kilmore District Hospital.

With an established history of successful collaboration, the amalgamation was a natural evolution of our partnership, and has already taken steps towards a more a sustainable future for both staff and patients. While much has remained unchanged, there have been some significant achievements.

“It’s been a busy, but exciting six months since the voluntary amalgamation between Kilmore District Health and Northern Health,” said Jennifer Gilham, Divisional Director, Community Hospitals.

“During this time, we have seen the commencement of paediatric clinics and more doctors employed in urgent care to support increased medical coverage. We have also received support from the Northern Health Workforce Unit to help transition Northern Health staff to work at Kilmore when required.”

“We have been able to increase surgical lists at Kilmore and provide birthing and post-natal care for maternity patients when demand for these services has been high at Northern Hospital. We have also seen greater opportunity for professional development and access to study days. To date, 25 of our senior leaders have attended the two day Navigating Northern course,” Ms Gilham added.

Bec van de Paverd, Director of Nursing and Site Director, Kilmore District Hospital, is also proud of the significant achievements of staff, and of the progress towards better connected care.

“The amalgamation has brought together our resources and expertise, facilitating streamlined processes and an enriched patient experience, ensuring the ongoing delivery of high-quality care.”

“A notable achievement has been the introduction of Values Week and our focussed efforts to improve access to Maternity services and the Urgent Care Centre. These initiatives enable more members of our community to access care conveniently closer to home,” Ms van de Paverd said.

While there has been a significant amount of work involved in integrating ICT, finance, quality, safety processes, policies and procedures, the teams have successfully united to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted transition.

“We have also been able to tap into the expertise of project managers to support and progress capital projects such as the theatre work, antenatal clinic and coming soon… an on-site cafe to support consumers, visitors and staff,” said Ms Gilham.

“Most of all it has been fantastic to see staff at all campuses dedicated and committed to providing a comprehensive range of services, as well as identifying new opportunities for services at Kilmore. This has enabled greater collaboration and more comprehensive care for our local Kilmore community, who can access care close to home where possible, with streamlined access to a major metropolitan health service if required.”

Effective communication is paramount in medical settings and significantly impacts patient outcomes, satisfaction, and risk reduction. Northern Health’s diverse patient demographic, comprising of individuals from over 130 countries, speaking in more than 120 languages, underscores the necessity for robust language support.

The Transcultural and Language Services Department (TALS) provides over 60,000 interpreting occasions of service per annum. According to the statistics, approximately 20 per cent of Northern Health’s patients require language services. These services are available face-to-face, or via telephone or video.

During occasions when it is challenging to access interpreting service, cue cards, a communication tool developed to assist health professionals with patients/carers who have limited English proficiency, have been mostly used in the wards. Now, these can be replaced by accessing the Talk to Me app, a comprehensive phrase library application, offering multilingual support through text and speech interfaces. Initially developed in 2015 by St. Vincent’s Hospital, this app facilitates communication between staff and patients/residents, particularly during non-critical moments. Examples include questions around mealtimes, personal care, feelings or emotions and basic pain symptoms (e.g. ‘Are you worried?’, ‘Are you tired?’, ‘Are you in pain?’).

While AI-driven translation apps, such as Google Translate, are not recommended and carry the risk of miscommunication, the Talk to Me app has been developed by health professionals in collaboration with medical certified interpreters, cultural diversity trainers and other experts in the field, to ensure the accuracy of the translation of the phrases provided.

Incorporating the Talk to Me app into daily workflows empowers staff to bridge communication gaps swiftly during non-critical moments, enhancing patient care experiences.

The Talk to Me Progressive Web App has been added to the staff Intranet page under ‘My Favourite Links’. With over 500 phrases curated for health professionals and patient user interface, it is available in 16 languages (Arabic, Cantonese, Croatian, Dinka, Persian, Greek, Hakka, Italian, Macedonian, Mandarin, Punjabi, Serbian, Somali, Spanish, Turkish, and Vietnamese), covering a range of categories.

Besides requesting interpreting service as the best practice for addressing language barriers, the use of the “Talk to Me” app can facilitate risk-free communication with patients who have limited English proficiency.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Christine Humpheries, patient, Evie, Registered Nurse, Navneet Gill, Translations Coordinator and Andrew Grey, Bookings Team Leader.  

Northern Health nurses and midwives have less than one week to apply the inaugural Nursing and Midwifery BankVic Scholarship, worth $5,000.

In the lead up to International Day of the Midwife (5 May) and International Nurse’s Day (12 May), BankVic has generously offered one scholarship to be awarded to a Northern Health nurse or midwife in recognition of their valuable service and dedication to the role.

BankVic, in association with Northern Health Foundation, is offering a $5,000 scholarship towards a national based conference or a professional development activity. To enter, nurses and midwives need to submit a response to the following:

In 250 words or less, please tell us how the theme of International Nurses Day ’24 or International Day of the Midwife ’24 (whichever applies to you) will inspire you in your role at Northern Health.

Themes for 2024

International Day of the Midwife 2024 – Sustainable Midwifery – Caring for Tomorrow’s World

Sustainable midwifery practices prioritise the wellbeing of both mother and child while minimising environmental impact, ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.

International Nurses Day 2024 – Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care

Despite being the backbone of health care, nursing often faces financial constraints and societal undervaluation. International Nurse’s Day 2024 aims to reshape perceptions, demonstrating how strategic investment in nursing can bring considerable economic and societal benefits.

Application process 

Applications need to be submitted in writing to Elizabeth.Moon@nh.org.au. A committee comprising of Northern Health Executives and BankVic representatives will choose the successful submission. Applications close 5 pm on Friday, 3 May. The successful applicant will be announced during the week of 6-10 May 2024.

International Day of the Midwife was established in 1992 by the International Confederation of Midwives and celebrates and raises awareness about the midwifery profession. International Nurses Day is recognised around the world every year on 12 May, which marks the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth – the founder of modern nursing.

An Australian-first virtual program that aids patient recovery after a heart event, procedure or heart condition has launched at Northern Health.

The Virtual Cardiac Rehabilitation (VCR) Program is designed to improve the health in patients with heart disease, and to help them achieve the highest quality of life possible.

Patients on the program have goals that include developing healthy habits into the future that help lower the chances of going back to hospital. Having a virtual cardiac rehab program enables patients to access the support they need with more flexible options to the traditional group program.

“Cardiac rehabilitation is proven to reduce hospitalisation and reduce the risk of death from heart conditions,” said Terri Guy, Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Nurse Consultant.

“It involves a tailored exercise program, emotional and psychological support from a multidisciplinary team and health education to improve health and wellbeing.”

As part of the virtual program, patients can loan a compatible smartwatch, with clinicians able to track patient progress.

“Patients are able to participate in the virtual program at a time more suitable and that better integrates with their home and work routine,” Terri said.

“It also assists with reducing transportation and eliminates travel barriers.”

“Patients use an app and smartwatch that send reminders to exercise, and their activity data is then sent to their care team. During weekly or fortnightly phone calls with the cardiac nurse or cardiac team, patients can receive feedback on their progress and ask questions or raise concerns.”

The way in which healthcare is being delivered is constantly changing. There is an ongoing need to provide alternative ways to traditional face-to-face services, including the current cardiac rehabilitation program offered at Northern Health.

Fiona Beadle, Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Nurse Consultant, submitted the idea of a Virtual Cardiac Program in 2023 as part of the Big Idea campaign. This resulted in a program being trialled at Bundoora Centre and was then presented to the Executive team.

“Not long afterwards, the CLEO team approached the Cardiac Rehabilitation team to discuss using Northern Health’s My Health platform to deliver a virtual cardiac rehab program,” Fiona said.

“The timing was perfect. Clinicians and managers from the Community Therapy Service, Cardiac Rehabilitation and CLEO have been meeting regularly to develop a program that meets the needs of consumers and clinicians.”

Elisha O’Dowd, Effectiveness and Outcomes Manager, CLEO, said the service is a wonderful way to showcase the amazing work that the Cardiac Rehabilitation team do on a daily basis.

“This gives us the opportunity to reach patients who are not available for regular daytime appointments,” she said.

The virtual program will be offered to a select number of patients before the service is expanded in the future.

Featured image left to right: Fiona Beadle, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Terri Guy, Clinical Nurse Consultant and Sam Gorge, Exercise Physiologist.

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Suba Vijayakumar, Senior Registered Nurse, Noogal Clinic – Northern Health.

Q. Firstly, What is your coffee order?

Flat white with one sugar.

Q. Why and how did you choose your specialty?

I have always wanted to be a nurse. It is a noble profession, and I enjoy helping people. Mental Health was new to me, but I am glad I chose to stay and grow as a professional. 10 years later, I don’t think I could have been any other type of nurse. It was meant to be!

Q. Can you tell us a bit about your career?

I started off as a pre-graduate nurse in 2013. I completed my grad year in 2014, and post-grad in 2015. I have worked across Northern Area Mental Health Service (NAMHS) sites ever since, in different roles. I have been in my current role as a Senior Registered Nurse at Noogal Clinic since January 2022.

Q. What is your greatest achievement since working here?

My greatest achievement would be that I was able to implement Safewards in Northern Psychiatric Unit (NPU) when I was working as a Safety Culture Coordinator from 2018 to 2019. I love being able to support the early career nurses to grow into amazing and competent clinicians.

Q. Could you share your journey as a professional dancer?

I started learning Bharatanatyam, a form of Indian Classical Dance, at the age of 5. I graduated in the art form at the age of 17 in Singapore. After moving to Melbourne in 2008, I continued to stay in touch with Indian dance every chance I could, and have performed at various stages, including fundraisers and cultural shows. Recently, I started learning Odissi, another form of Indian Classical Dance. I performed Odissi for the first time at the dance school’s annual concert last year and I am preparing to perform again this year.

Q. What do you enjoying doing outside of work?

I really enjoy spending quality time with my family. I love shopping for others, especially my children. I’m a home-bird, so I spend most of my free time at home. I am either organising the pantry or linen cupboard or cleaning the house. Alongside this, I am currently pursuing my Masters, and although I wouldn’t say I’m thoroughly enjoying it, I do like studying.

Q. Where is a favourite place you’ve travelled and why?

I thoroughly enjoyed my holiday in Langkawi, Malaysia. The island’s beautiful and scenic environment perfectly complemented Malaysia’s renowned food and rich cultural heritage.

 

Each week in the lead up to Accreditation, Northern Health is sharing key information to help staff prepare for the short notice assessment.

Today, we speak to Associate Professor, Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer, who has been an Accreditation Assessor for over 10 years, for some tips on what to expect.

“It is a privilege going into a health service and being a part of an assessment team,” said A/Prof Cirone. “As Assessors, we understand that we are guests in a health service and that it can be quite a disruptive week. When visiting a health services, I am very mindful of that and respectful, and I know that other assessors are similar.”

Fundamentally, the assessment team are there to facilitate an onsite, objective assessment against the National Standards, and make sure that we deliver the right care, at the right time and in the right place.

“In practice, assessors have to elicit information and evidence through interviews, observations and documentation, but a lot of their job is about being in a space and sometimes not asking questions, but just looking around and listening, particularly during handovers, huddles and other team interactions,” said A/Prof Cirone.

“Understanding the patient experience is paramount to the assessment, and assessors will listen to conversations between staff, or patients commenting on their care in the foyer, cafés, the lift, or anywhere.”

“First impressions count for a lot, so please ensure your environment is clean and tidy, and make our guests feel welcome,” A/Prof Cirone said. “Also, if the assessors request information or the need to speak to particular staff member, it is important to try and arrange that quickly.

“Finally, try to remember; the assessors are examining our performance against a quality a safety framework. The quality part is really important, and we have a lot to be proud of at Northern Health – this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our achievements and how well we are doing!”

Oliver Cronin’s path to becoming a pre-eminent gastroenterologist and interventional endoscopist has been defined by a deep commitment to advancing patient care through innovative techniques. His path, from early training years to an illustrious Fulbright Future Scholarship has been a testament to his passion and hard work.

Oliver discovered his passion for complex procedural medicine early in his training. Reflecting on his career trajectory, he shares, “I’ve always been drawn to complex cases and making a real improvement to patient’s lives. Gastroenterology, especially endoscopy, appealed to me because of the clinical challenges and immediate, visible results.”

After completing gastroenterology training at the Alfred, St Vincent’s and University Geelong Hospitals, Oliver pursued additional sub-speciality training in endoscopy at Westmead Hospital, a leading institution globally for therapeutic endoscopy.

“I was very fortunate to be provided with the opportunity to train for two years at Westmead. I will be forever grateful for the mentorship I received from Professor Michael Bourke, a world-leading authority in interventional endoscopy.”

Oliver’s dedication and pursuit of knowledge inspired him to apply for, and subsequently be awarded, a Fulbright Future Scholarship. Also known as ‘the American Rhodes Scholarship’, the program affords scholars the opportunity to pursue research and academic endeavours in the United States.  Previous distinguished alumni have included 30 heads of state and 53 Nobel Prize winners.

He admits “I really wasn’t expecting to be successful in my application but equally I thought nothing would be lost by applying.”

Oliver spent six months at NYU Langone, a high-volume centre for complex endoscopic procedures under the mentorship of Professor Gregory Haber, a pioneer of endoscopic innovation.

He shares, “I learnt so much and was fortunate enough to collaborate with some really inspiring people while living in New York. I hope to continue to harness these networks to continue making positive change in the field of endoscopy.”

Living in New York with his family provided both professional growth and personal enrichment. Oliver reflects, “We had an amazing time in the States. Work was great, but outside of work was also a great experience. We lived a block from Central Park, so being able to head over there so easily for a picnic or to grab a coffee felt so surreal.”

He is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of his family, especially his wife during his training. “My family are great enablers. I am so grateful to my wife and two daughters for allowing me to pursue these interstate and international training opportunities. Our five-year-old has lived in seven houses during her lifetime. We’ve certainly kept the removalist in business!” he adds.

Oliver humbly attributes his successes to the collaborative efforts of his colleagues, stating, “It’s not about me – it’s the collective dedication of our team that drives our achievements. The Gastroenterology Unit at Northern Health is a welcoming, conscientious and dynamic unit with a wealth of collective sub-specialty experience. Led by our Head of Unit, Associate Professor, Mayur Garg and Director of Endoscopy, Dr Joshua Butt, the growth and general trajectory of Northern Health makes it an exciting place to work long-term. Our nursing and other endoscopy staff work so hard and take great pride in their jobs. Without them, the unit could not function.”

Featured Image: The Minister for Education, Hon. Jason Clare MP (right) presented Dr Oliver Cronin with his Fulbright Scholarship during a Fulbright Gala Dinner at the Great Hall, Parliament House, Canberra.