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This week, Northern Health is celebrating International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day. Today, we share the thoughts of Rachel Green, Nurse Unit Manager, Ward 19.

Q: What is your name and title?

Rachel Green, Nurse Unit Manager – Ward 19.

Q: What does International Day of the Midwife/International Nurses Day mean to you?

International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day are days of recognition, celebration and commemoration of the amazing work and care that nurses and midwives do each and every single day of the year, both in the hospital setting and in our wider community.

Q: Why did you want to become a midwife/nurse?

The reason I became a nurse was because I was inspired by the healthcare industry and the care and compassion shown by nursing staff, and the importance of doing the small things that make a big difference in the care and management of patients. I felt I needed a career that was hands on, involved people, was progressive and an ever-changing career pathway.

Q: Tell us about your journey to become a midwife/nurse?

I commenced my nursing journey through Victoria University TAFE as an Enrolled Nurse initially and decided that I would do the bridging course that led me into the second year of the Bachelor of Nursing at Victoria University. I completed my degree in 2008 and completed my Graduate year at Northern Health in 2009. Northern Health over the years has provided opportunities to grow as a nurse and progress into leadership roles within the organisation. In 2022, I was seconded into the Nurse Unit Manager Role on Ward 19, where I have since become the permanent Nurse Unit Manager on Ward 19 which is primarily Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgery Ward.

Q: What inspires you?

I am inspired by all the amazing work that is done around the organisation. Especially the amazing team on Ward 19, who on a daily basis, amaze me with their compassion, empathy, kindness and dedication to the organisation and their patients. Throughout my years at Northern Health, I have been surrounded by many amazing and inspirational leaders, who have shaped me to become the leader I am today.

Q: Tell us about a particular patient or care interaction that has really stuck with you.

I remember a few years ago, during a rough shift whilst working on the floor as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, I was very overwhelmed. I was looking after a patient who had some significant medical issues and post-surgery complications, which lead to further major surgery and complications. She was a patient on the ward for over four months. Even though with all these complications, extended length of stay and pain they were in, the patient never lost their compassion or empathy towards healthcare workers. To this day I still remember sitting with them in their room, whilst they comforted me during my overwhelming shift. This has stuck with me, and constantly reminds me no matter how bad the situation is, it is important to show empathy and kindness to everyone, we just don’t know what sort of day someone else is having.

Q: Do you have a message for your nursing/midwifery colleagues?

Despite all the hard days or shifts, there is always a reason that brings you back to work. Whether it be the team you work with, the patients that you have the privilege of looking after or the chance you’ll make a difference in someone’s life at their lowest moment.

This week, Northern Health is celebrating International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day. Today, we share the thoughts of Annie Tolmay, Associate Midwife Unit Manager and Clinical Support Midwife.

Q: What is your name and title?

My name is Annie Tolmay and I am an Associate Midwife Unit Manager in Birth Suite and a Clinical Support Midwife.

Q: What does International Day of the Midwife/International Nurses Day mean to you?

It feels conflicting to celebrate International Day of the Midwife without also acknowledging the many pressures and challenges nurses and midwives face. As healthcare professionals we are excellent at supporting our patients and families, however we sometimes don’t have the space to address the ways the complexities of this job can affect us. This day can be bittersweet as we reflect on the sacrifices and challenges, and despite it all continue to show up and provide safe care and support to women and their families.

Q: Why did you want to become a midwife/nurse?

Being a midwife is one of the most humbling, fulfilling and unique professions. Early in my career, someone told me midwifery is mostly pure joy, with moments of pure terror. The highs are so high with tears of joy, rushes of adrenaline and an overwhelming sense of connection. But the lows can be too devastating for words, nothing compares to caring for a family who has lost their baby. Whether I am experiencing the immense joy or heartbreak of midwifery, I am always so honored that a family is allowing me to share in that with them. It is the most intimate and vulnerable time in a woman’s life, and being witness to that will never stop being incredible.

Q: Tell us about your journey to become a midwife/nurse and what inspires you?

I have been at the Northern since my very first observation day in first year as a student. The Northern has been instrumental in my growth and development as a midwife. Throughout my years here, both as a student and now as a midwife, I have had the opportunity to work beside some incredible people who have elevated not just me but our unit at large. One of the joys of midwifery is being the lead clinician in pregnancy and birth, and I am constantly driven to support and encourage new midwives to upskill and continue finding opportunities that keep them passionate about their practice in order to further their careers.

Q: Tell us about a particular patient or care interaction that has really stuck with you.

Last week I helped a junior midwife discharge a first-time mum home with her new baby, and she and her partner both welled up with tears as they stepped out the door. She asked me to pass along her immense gratitude and appreciation for her care team. She had felt such warmth and empathy from every clinician that she felt we were now like family. It made me feel very proud of the work that we do here and the impact we have on people’s lives.

This week, Northern Health will celebrate both International Day of the Midwife (May 5) and International Nurse’s (May 12) in a series of celebrations held across the week. Each day shines a spotlight on the compassion and dedication of nurses and midwives, and the vital role they play within our community.

I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our nurses and midwives for all that you do. Each interaction of care that you provide is so incredibly important, and the impact you have on our patients and community is undeniable.

I am proud to be the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at Northern Health, and I thank you for your dedication, your expertise and your kindness. I encourage all staff at Northern Health to celebrate our nurses and midwives for all that they do today, and every day.

Over the next week, we will acknowledge these important celebrations by distributing a special gift to our nurses and midwives, publishing a range of iNews stories, and releasing a new podcast episode featuring Debra Bourne, Chief Operating Officer, and registered nurse, registered midwife and nurse practitioner.

Lunchtime BBQ’s will be hosted from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm on the following dates:

• Monday, 6 May – Kilmore District Hospital
• Tuesday, 7 May – Northern Hospital Epping (sponsored by BankVic)
• Thursday, 9 May – Bundoora Centre
• Friday, 10 May – Broadmeadows Hospital

All staff are invited to join and celebrate their nursing and midwifery, and staff on other sites are encouraged to visit one of these sites for lunch.

Nurses at our Mental Health sites (Bell Street, Talgarno Street, Noogal Clinic, Pleasant View sites) and at Craigieburn Centre will receive snack boxes on Wednesday, 8 May.

Later this week, I look forward to announcing the recipient of the inaugural BankVic Scholarship, which will be awarded to a Northern Health nurse or midwife in recognition of their valuable service and dedication to the role. This $5,000 scholarship may be used for further education or towards a national based conference or a professional development activity.

Once again, thank you to all of our wonderful nurses and midwives across Northern Health for everything you do.

Lisa Cox
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer
Northern Health

#WeAreNorthern

Consulting on family violence matters is not her only passion. Meet Amanda Dashwood, Mental Health Division, Specialist Family Violence Advisor – and her four goats, Anastasia, Arabella, Cyrus and Baby Iris along with her two Maremma Sheepdogs, Muggle and Mr Darcy.

Q: Your coffee order, please?

A: Latte with one sugar, thank you!

Q: How would you describe your role? 

A: Busy! Consulting on complex family violence matters for our mental health teams; attending high risk review panels; keeping up to date with current practises in the family violence sector for victim and survivors; advocating with external services for a free flow of information under the Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS) & Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme (FVISS); embedding family violence practice, policies & procedures; engaging with external services such as Orange Door, Victoria Police, Corrections Victoria, Department of Justice, Child Protection and so on… streamlining service system communications.

Q: How did you get into this role? 

A: Previously I was a Senior Detective of Police. I then moved into the family violence sector, that was 25 years ago. This job sounded exciting and new. I believed I could bring a wealth of knowledge with me. I met the criteria for the position, sat an interview, got the job (which I love), still here seven years later (and still passionate about my role).

Q: Any highlights? 

A: My fondest highlights are when staff come to me for a secondary consultation, and I inform staff they have done all the right things re: risk and family violence. They are so switched on and just get it. I couldn’t be more proud of our service and the difference they are making. Highlights are many but representing the Mental Health Service at an international family violence conference, speaking about the marginalisation of mental health consumer, was one.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of this role?

A: Interacting with the teams and watching the amazing work they do to get the best outcomes for their consumers, families and carers.

Q: Your impressions on joining the Northern family?
A: ‘Safe Kind Together’, is a sincere commitment to our consumers and staff. Together, we are achieving goals that address community needs in clinical pathways.

Q: Lastly, tell is something that will surprise us about you?

A: I went to purchase one goat and came home with four – Anastasia, Arabella, Cyrus and Baby Iris. I also have two Maremma Sheepdogs and a tractor named Clementine with matching designer boots.

 

Northern Health’s Accreditation Survey has been officially announced for 6 – 10 May 2024.

Accreditation is a formal process whereby an independent team of healthcare professionals assess the quality and safety of services provided against best practice standards. The Accreditation assessment will involve on-site visits by assessors who are independent of the health service. They look for evidence that each action in the Standards has been implemented.

Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital, Kilmore District Hospital, Bundoora Centre and Craigieburn Centre will all be visited during this time. All transitioned mental health services will also be included in the survey, apart from the aged residential services, which will be surveyed under the Aged Care Standards by the Aged Care Commission.

Everyone has a role to play in ensuring the care given to patients, families and people visiting our organisation is the best it can be, and that we have the right culture where quality and safety is valued. Please make the surveyors feel welcome, and provide them with the answers or information they seek.

A timetable for the surveyors is currently being finalised, and will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

For more information, please visit the Intranet.

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.