Northern Health has joined forces with Sleepfit to celebrate Sleep Awareness Week from 5 – 11 August. Sleepfit is a digital health company focused on bringing sleep health to millions globally, working with organisations to provide awareness, education, screening and treatment at scale for sleep issues and disorders.

Staff will have access to two great offerings – Sleepfit Essentials – a tool for understanding your sleep health, risks and action plan, and attendance to a Seminar delivered by the CEO of Sleepfit, Melissa Webster (pictured above).

Melissa is an advocate for evidence-based strategies and works with a talented team of people including sleep and respiratory physicians and clinical psychologists.

Northern Health Workplace Wellbeing Coordinator, Alison O’Sullivan, says, “We are very excited to welcome Melissa all the way from Sydney to teach us how we can get more from life simply through a proper night’s sleep!”

To learn more about why sleep is so important, how sleep works and strategies you can use to boost your sleep, Melissa will be running two sleep seminars on Wednesday, 14 August.

• Seminar 1, 1.30 pm – 3 pm (NCHER Lecture Theatre 1) This Seminar will also be video linked to Bundoora Centre (Meeting and IT Training Room, First Floor) and Broadmeadows Hospital (Meeting Room 1 and 2).
• Seminar 2, 5 pm – 6.30 pm (Northern Hospital Lecture Theatre 1 – near library)

To secure your place, click here to book.

“Ideally, it’s important to complete the five minute Sleep Essentials quiz online prior to the seminar, so Melissa can answer any of your burning questions and help you better understand your sleeping needs,” Alison adds.

“To ensure our staff have access to this great tool, the Sleep Essentials quiz will remain open for the month of August,” she adds.

The Essentials report will show you your risk of common sleep disorders, and, in addition, areas where small changes to your lifestyle and sleeping habits could lead to big changes in your energy and wellbeing. It will also provide you with a personalised sleep action plan and tip sheets – if you’re at high risk of a sleep disorder, you can download a report for your GP as part of your action plan.

To complete the quiz, click here.

Northern Health is partnering with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Swinburne University in a 10-week Innovation Challenge to answer the question “How might we better support life-long self care of early stage Diabetes Type 2 patients who have been diagnosed within their first 6 months to 2 years.”

Kim Anderson, the AWS Digital Innovation Lead for Cloud Innovation Centers, says “The Swinburne Data for Social Good Cloud Innovation Centre is the first Center of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere addressing some of Australia’s biggest social challenges by growing our future-ready leaders, whilst also supporting industry partners with accelerating innovation.”

“It connects Swinburne’s Research Institute and innovation capabilities, and is an approach to solve real-world global challenges, such as Diabetes Type 2 and drive meaningful health and well-being outcomes for Northern Health’s patients,” says Kim.

Diabetes affected an estimated 1.2 million (6%) of Australian adults aged 18 years in 2014-15. The consequences of poor self- management are potentially devastating for an individual with diabetes, but the pressure on the health care system is equally alarming and unsustainable. For example, 40% of Australia’s health budget, ($55 billion) of costs are for chronic conditions.

Dr Suresh Vardarajan, Endocrinologist at Northern Health says there is an urgent need to develop technological solutions to support and coach people with diabetes in self-management and monitor their medication adherence.He explained that as self-management is a behavioural change, the workshops will focus less on the clinical and more on how behavioural change can impact in a positive way.
A series of workshops that started Monday 8 July, will run at Northern facilitated by AWS to clarify the extent of the problem and define the solution set from which an appropriate digital solution can then be designed.

Integral to the success of the workshops was the input from patients and clinical users. Two patients: one newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes & one long-term stable diabetic were interviewed.

 

The clinical users consisted of endocrinologists, diabetic educators and diabetic nurses. Professor Nilmini Wickramasinghe Professor of Digital Health at Swinburne University, says:

“By engaging with clinicians and patients and collaborating with a hospital partner, not only do we try to engage all key healthcare stakeholders we also try to develop a solution that works for everyone involved which is a great way to develop effective solutions in digital health.”

“Given the rapid developments in advanced technology solutions such as Internet of Things, machine learning, data analytic and gaming, we have an opportunity to develop tailored solutions, grounded in state-of-the-art behaviour change principles, to support people with diabetes,” says Dr Michael Kirk, Director, Medical Services at Northern Health.

The Family Violence: At Risk communities Breaking Through the Barriers half day forum scheduled for Friday, August 16 will focus on practical ways to be more supportive, approachable and effective in supporting people when family violence is present, both in a clinical and non-clinical role.

Last year, Northern Health and Kilmore District Hospital held the inaugural Family Violence Forum organised by our Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence team.

Taylor Woodward, Public Affairs went to the forum last year and said she learned a lot about family violence and the different topics associated with it.

“I found the forum really helpful, even working in a non-clinical environment,” she said.

This year, the forum will focus on new vulnerable community groups.

Natasha Knapic, Project Officer is excited about the variety of topics and presenters, and the organisations involved.

“The speakers will also help us gain an understanding of the resources available for particular vulnerable groups which we may not know about,” she added.

“When it comes to children, the Australian Childhood Foundation will be investigating the effects that family violence can have on the developing brain. They will also discuss alternative treatment, and therapies apart from traditional counselling, such as body art,” she said.

The team is particularly pleased to have Janet Glover from Foundation House presenting on the day to give an in depth view on asylum seekers and family violence which is a unique opportunity.

“There will also be a session dedicated to mental health, as we know that this is a high risk factor for people experiencing family violence. The intersection between mental health and family violence is often poorly understood and there are misconception that mental health is a driver of family violence,” she added.

The session on sexual assault will discuss the resilience and recovery journey of people affected by sexual assault through family valence and how to assist them in their healing toward an improved quality of life.

“I would like to encourage everyone to come to the forum. Family violence is a health issue and we all have a responsibility to increase our awareness,” Natasha added.

Sneza Filiposki, Project Support Officer added that family violence is a major national health and welfare issue and this forum is Northern Health’s opportunity to increase our knowledge and skills when working with vulnerable communities.

“We know those communities face additional barriers around disclosing family violence and accessing support. As healthcare workers, we all have a role to play in making a difference to the lives of people affected by family violence. Let’s help strengthen those vulnerable communities,” she said.

The tickets are available through Eventbrite and the money raised will be donated to a family violence service.

 

Family Violence: At Risk Communities – Breaking Thorough the Barriers

Friday, 16 August, 8.30 am – 2 pm, NCHER. Morning tea and lunch provided.
Ticket price $15.00- please click here to get your tickets through Eventbrite.

Speakers and topics:

Kaye Rigby, Northern Centre Against Sexual Assault – Sexual Assault: Resilience and Recovery
Amanda Dashwood and Lisa Hebel, North Western Mental Health – The Intersect between Mental Health and Family Violence
Pat Jewell, Australian Childhood Foundation, Children: Invisible Victim/Survivors of Family Violence and Alternative Therapies
Janet Glover, Foundation House, Supporting Asylum Seekers
Training on how to Recognise and Respond to Family Violence using sensitive inquiry is available after the forum from 2.00pm to 3.30pm. Please register for training here.

 

This morning, Northern Health Foundation hosted the grand opening of the emergency accommodation for families of patients who travel long distances to visit loved ones receiving care at Northern Hospital Epping.

The three bedroom house in Wollert is fully equipped with amenities and items for families to feel comfortable during their stay, with no direct cost to the families of patients.

Northern Health Board Chair, Jennifer Williams, officially opened the property and told guests, “This accommodation aims to lessen the burden on the families of patients in our care by providing a home near the hospital.”

“A key priority is to support families from rural or regional Victoria who are visiting loved ones,” she added.

Over 1,000 patients travel in excess of 80 kilometres per year to seek treatment at Northern Hospital Epping. To care for their loved ones, families of patients need to follow them to hospital, leaving for Melbourne often on short notice, and needing to find accommodation in unfamiliar surroundings during what is already a highly stressful time.

Northern Health Chief Executive, Siva Sivarajah, said, “We understand how difficult it can be for families when their loved ones are in hospital. Our new accommodation will provide much needed relief and support for families travelling from rural areas, keeping them closer to their loved ones in their time of need.”

“Thank you to our very generous donors who have helped us see this vision become a reality.”

The house is part of the Foundation’s 2017 Accommodation Relief Appeal, which was made possible by Northern Health patron and philanthropist, Paul Wheelton, as well as JT Reid Charitable Trust and Collier Charitable Foundation.

Paul Wheelton’s son, Matthew, and daughter Amy, (pictured above) attended the opening on his behalf and were pleased to see their father’s vision come to life.

The project has also been made possible by generous corporate supporters, philanthropic trusts, donors and the northern community, and will provide much needed accommodation to the families of Northern Health patients when they need it the most.

Featured Image (left to right): Jennifer Williams (Northern Health Board Chair), Amy Dillon and Matthew Wheelton

The orthoptists working in the ophthalmology department at Broadmeadows Hospital won the ‘Clinical Excellence’ award at the Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards held in May.

They were nominated by Dr Jonathan Kam, Ophthalmologist, who said it was this team who motivated him to join their department.

“The clinical excellence of the orthoptists at Broadmeadows working in the ophthalmology department for Northern Health, are the single most important reason the ophthalmology department has been able to service so many patients without fail over so many years, despite multiple medical team changes. They are the reason I joined the ophthalmology department team as a Visiting Medical Officer (VMO), after I had seen them in action whilst I was a registrar.”

The team was excited to win, and said the award for them means recognition, appreciation and a great sense of achievement.

“This award encompasses the entire ophthalmology team who continue to thrive towards excellence and patient-centred care in the eye clinic. We enjoy contributing to the care of our patient’s visual health and have an input in improving their sight, quality of life and wellbeing. We also enjoy working with a dedicated team of ophthalmologists who are highly supportive and committed to our professional development,” the team said.

They describe Northern Health as a team which is “committed, dedicated and working collaboratively towards excellence,” and has big dreams for the future.

“We hope to see the orthoptic and ophthalmology department expand to become a fully operational, sustainable service managing patients with complex cataract, glaucoma, retinal and neurological vision disorders, both surgically and non-surgically across five days.”

When they talk about the future of Northern Health, in five years from now they hope to see a “continued improvement of the organisation, meeting strategic goals that contribute to the delivery of excellent patient experiences, and expanding to meet the growing needs of the community.”

The orthoptic department have been a part of Northern Health for over 10 years and relocated from Northern Hospital Epping to Broadmeadows Hospital in 2013. The team consists of three permanent senior clinicians and have recently welcomed a new casual and grade 1 staff member.

Sponsored by Maxxia and BankVic, our Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards have been designed to formally recognise outstanding contributions by our employees and celebrate staff excellence. Nominations for the next awards are now open. To nominate a staff member, click here.

Featured image (left to right): Leyla Avci, Senior Orthoptist (Sitting); Zeina Dayoub, Senior Orthoptist (Sitting); Anastasia Giantsis, Senior Orthoptist (Standing); Hiba Casado, Grade 1 Orthoptist (Standing). Team member absent on the day: Adam Kaucki (Orthoptist).

Recently, the Happy Mothers Assyrian/Chaldean Group Pregnancy Care Program officially launched at Craigieburn Centre.

The Happy Mothers Group was established in July 2017 to provide an integrated, culturally safe program for Assyrian/Chaldean pregnant women who were either newly immigrated or refugees, and had settled in the north. It is the only group pregnancy care offered to Assyrian/Chaldean women in Victoria, and is guided by the mothers to deliver education and support based on their individual and cultural needs.

The team who deliver the program – Marie Treloar (Team Leader and Childbirth and Parenting Education Coordinator, Northern Health), Bronwyn Madigan (Maternal and Child Health Nurse, Hume Council), Michelle Griffiths (Parent Support Worker, Hume Council), Maria Toma (Bicultural Worker, VICSEG New Futures), Bronwyn Gellie (Midwife, Northern Health) and May Khoshaba (Interpreter, Northern Health), were delighted to see over 20 pregnant and postnatal women return with their babies to take part in the celebrations.

Team Leader, Marie Treloar, said, “At Northern Hospital Epping, we service a richly diverse community – migrant and refugee women are a vulnerable group who are susceptible to poor birth outcomes. When the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute approached us to pilot an innovative model of group pregnancy care for this population, we did not hesitate!”

“To date, we’ve had 93 women through our program, with a high breast feeding rate continuing past six months,” Marie added.

Debra Bourne, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, opened the event speaking about the challenges of a growing population in the north, which includes a richly diverse community.

“Northern Health is delighted to partner with Hume Council and VICSEG to deliver this innovative program. Our aim is to increase breast feeding rates in the community, while ensuring health literacy and engagement with health services and meeting the optimal health care needs of our migrant populations,” she said.

Lena Casparian, a past group member, came with her six month old baby, Isabel. While speaking about her Happy Mothers journey and the tools she learnt for giving birth naturally, she also added:

“In the past six months, I’ve learnt about the importance of exclusively breastfeeding, as well as being socially engaged with my community and how it can help with my emotional and psychological wellbeing.”

Salam Dankha from Foundation House, spoke of her own experience as a new arrival to Australia and her childbearing experiences in Iraq, emphasising the contrasting experiences of her daughter giving birth in Australia.

“Connecting with the community and having their support in navigating the services in a new country is crucial,” she added.

During the fortnightly education sessions, women also receive the recommended antenatal appointment by a midwife, and appropriate referrals are made to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and birth. The presence of a Maternal and Child Health Nurse (MCHN) ensures the women uptake postnatal services and make regular visits to see the MCHN for the next four years of their child’s growth and development. The Parent Support Worker provides expert childhood care, providing any necessary referrals in relation to child health. The Bicultural Worker and Interpreter are present to ensure information is provided in the group’s chosen language, as well as to ensure cultural safety.

“We do not have a set agenda or curriculum when we deliver the two hour sessions. The women who attend choose their learning needs relevant to them at the time. Education therefore becomes individualised, specific and timely to where they’re at,” Marie explained.

“We were very excited to see many of the women return with their babies to celebrate the launch with us. It reinforced to us that the women had made worthwhile connections and felt comfortable to return, reporting the sessions had been very useful in their pregnancy, birth and postnatal periods.”

Kathryn Bartho, Director, Revenue and Financial Projects, received the ‘Above and Beyond’ award at the Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards.

Kathryn’s role is to optimise revenue across the organisation and ensure patients are provided with informed financial information.

She was nominated by Chief Financial Officer, Basil Ireland, who says, “Kath marries clinical understanding with commercial, finance, vendor management, communication and people skills.”

“She is the most versatile person I have ever worked with, and from a technical and communication perspective, has had an extremely positive impact on the RosterOn upgrade, Q-Flow implementation, automated bed fee and doctor consult billings, and Computer Assisted Radio Personnel System (CARPs) implementation,” Basil continues.

Kathryn’s journey at Northern Health began in 2006, and has since worked in a range of different roles across the organisation.

She started as a clerical staff member in the Emergency Department and Unit E, and was then inspired to go to university and complete a Bachelor of Nursing, which she graduated from in 2012. In 2013, she completed her grad year at Northern Health.

After completing her grad year, Kathryn was given an opportunity to work in a project management role in finance, combining both her administration skills and clinical experience.

Today, she particularly enjoys looking at projects and improvements across the organisation, combining her clinical and revenue skills for a holistic approach to benefit the organisation and staff.

“My team in revenue are my support and foundations – I cannot express how much I value and appreciate everything they do. Without them, I would not be able to do my role or be successful in my project implementations,” Kathryn says.

Her role does come with its challenges, but these challenges are also what drives her.

“Projects and change management is the most challenging part of my role, however, I also love a challenge and getting out into the business to share exciting new opportunities,” she says.

What some may not know about Kathryn, is that she still works as a nurse one shift per week to keep up with her clinical skills.

When asked what winning the award meant to her, she says “It was such an amazing feeling of acknowledgement. Northern has some amazing teams that I am privileged to be part of.”

“I appreciate all the opportunities that I have been given by the Executive team, particularly Basil, Jane, Siva and Michelle – their ongoing support has been amazing,” she adds.

In the future, Kathryn would like to work towards further efficiencies and continuous improvement within healthcare.

“The future for Northern means we will have to develop and implement improvements and efficiencies very quickly. However, we are Northern and we are up for the challenge!”

Sponsored by Maxxia and BankVic, our Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards have been designed to formally recognise outstanding contributions by our employees and celebrate staff excellence. Nominations for the next awards are now open. To nominate a staff member, click here.