Northern Health, together with Victorian Simulation Alliance (VSA) held the Inaugural Simulation Conference 2018 last week at Northern Centre for Health Education and Research (NCHER).

Under the Alliance, Innovation and Inquiry motto, this year’s conference focused on supporting the simulation community.

Over 30 different simulation-related research articles were presented, covering multidisciplinary health topics and focusing on how simulation can be used to enhance patient outcomes.

Dr Alison Dwyer, Chief Medical Officer says that Northern Health is committed to providing outstanding care for the community in the north, which can only be achieved by supporting the clinicians to maintain and grow their clinical skills.

“This simulation conference is an outstanding example of cutting edge teaching philosophies, of which Northern Health will continue to support into the future. Congratulations to Todd Mason, as part of the Conference Organising Committee, and the Research and Education Unit on hosting  a successful conference,” she said.

Northern Health’s research is built upon innovative service delivery underpinned by excellence in education, as we create a culture for health that is based on the growing need for innovative and progressive care.

It’s Northern Health Foundation Audi car raffle time again this year, and a great moment to catch up with Charys Winter, Clinical Nurse Consultant and the lucky winner of the 2017 raffle.

Charys bought the ticket last year, inspired by the efforts the Foundation is putting into supporting our patient’s families.

“I was pleased to see the initiative of the Foundation to build housing for patient families, as that must be an enormously stressful time for all, on top of the obvious medical concerns,” Charys said.

Charys was surprised to hear that she was the winner.

“The phone call woke me up on Saturday evening. I think I was in disbelief initially then the excitement kicked in,” she said.

The car came at the right moment for her and her family, as she decided to sell the car and help the family attend a wedding in Canada.

“Please support the Foundation and make a real difference towards achieving important goals – you might win as I did,” she added and told us that she’ll be getting a ticket this year too.

Tickets can be purchased from our volunteers at The Northern Hospital Epping foyer and online by clicking here.

Northern Health currently has 345 active volunteers across the sites performing a variety of roles, including behind the scenes administrative support, fundraising initiatives and bringing comfort through patient visiting.

This week we held annual volunteer forums to acknowledge their contribution, discuss roles and responsibilities and provide mandatory training.

The forums were held at Northern Hospital, Broadmeadows Hospital and Northern Health Bundoora.

“Our volunteers make a real difference to the experience of patients and visitors during their time with us,” said Andrew Williamson, Executive Director Public Affairs and Foundation.

“They have a profound impact on the lives of so many people, right from the moment they arrive at our facilities.”

On behalf of the Executive, he acknowledged volunteers valuable contribution – whether they have face-to-face roles or work behind the scenes supporting our staff.

Our volunteer program also includes a Commonwealth funded Community Visitor Scheme where we coordinate volunteers to visit recipients in Government funded Aged Care Services who are socially isolated and whose quality of life is improved by friendship and companionship.

Led by Henni Wade, Christine McGowan and Peter Fryer, Northern Health volunteers contributed an astonishing 41,287 hours of support towards our services over the past twelve months.

Is there anything more soothing than a warm soup in winter? Or a delicious scone? The staff at Broadmeadows Hospital seem to agree as they get together for another Winter Wellbeing event, hosted by Unit 1.

During busy winter shifts, it’s important for staff to have a break, relax and share a laugh with their colleagues.

“The winter wellbeing program has included a range of events in which wards and nursing department take turns to host a wellbeing event for the site. Events have included meditation sessions, quiz and game activities and plenty of shared food events. It has also included the ‘take a break on us’ initiative in which fresh fruit was provided in all staff tea rooms,” says Zoe Devenish, Site Director/Operations Director and Director of Nursing at the Broadmeadows Hospital.

Picture:  Zoe Devenish, enjoying a scone with Hospital Coordinator, Jen Greenwood.

Congratulations to Karen Bryant, our Senior Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer for winning the Westfield Plenty Valley Local Heroes award.

The Local Heroes programme celebrates individuals who promote social wellbeing and harmony in the community.

Karen, who’s been nominated by Blair Colwell, Co-Ordinator of Edge Youth services at the City of Whittlesea, is deeply humbled by this award.

“I am thrilled to win this award, to be nominated and acknowledged by my peers, and then to have community members, peers and work colleagues vote for me is very humbling and rewarding,” she said.

This programme includes a $10,000 grant, awarded to the affiliated organisation of each of the three Westfield Local Heroes nominated and voted for by the Plenty Valley community.

“We are very proud that Karen has received the Westfield Local Heroes award,” said Siva Sivarajah Chief Executive Northern Health.

“Karen is a tireless advocate for improving access to services for our Aboriginal community and a major driving force in the development of our Reconciliation Action Plan.”

‘”Why Northern? I felt a special connection with, that I hadn’t experienced with other health organisations during my undergraduate placements.”

Linda’s journey took her from Graduate Nurse in our Graduate Program to Associate Nurse Unit Manager and then  to an acting Nurse Unit Manager before becoming Nurse Unit Manager,  Access Manager, and now an Operations Director.

Where will your journey at Northern Health take you?

Did you know that delirium and falls are a major cause of harm to our patients?

Falls and delirium lead to injuries, longer hospital stays and increased need for support after discharge. While we are already working to prevent falls, fall-related injuries and delirium, there is more to be done.

Luckily, there is one simple thing everyone can do to help.

Let the light in.

“Inadequate lighting leads to falls, because people can’t see their way around and are more likely to slip or trip,” said Dr Kim Jeffs, Northern Health Geriatrician.

“Low levels of light during the day can also contribute to delirium, by disrupting the sleep-wake cycle. If there isn’t sufficient light during the day – especially natural light – the brain doesn’t get into a proper night sleep rhythm. Subsequently, the lack of sleep leads to the brain not functioning properly,” she said.

“When you are on the wards, open the blinds, turn on the lights and let the light in.”

The idea of highlighting “Let the light In” came from last week’s Chief Executive’s Ideas Forum – where a number of ideas around eliminating patient harm during a hospital stay were  developed.

The Northern Health FluVax campaign concluded on Sunday after two months of a proactive campaign to ensure maximum protection for our staff and our community.

Last year influenza had a profound impact with increased hospital presentations, GP attendances and absenteeism across the Victorian community.

As a key part of our Winter Strategy Northern Health made the decision to do things differently by proactively promoting and providing influenza vaccinations.  Our strategy was to protect staff, patients and our community, aligning with Northern Health’s priority of ‘staying well’ and Victoria’s Health 2040 strategy of better health and access.

We believed that by providing free immunisation to the family and friends of our patients and staff, greater herd immunity would provide improved wellbeing in our community and in particular, keep our vulnerable patients protected from influenza infection. We ordered additional vaccine in early February that was able to sustain us right through to the end of the campaign period.

90% of our staff received the vaccine along with 11,000 community members and over 1,000 admitted patients. This is a magnificent result.

Congratulations to Jodi Ashworth and Ros Payne for leading this initiative – and all staff involved.

I hope you all have a great week ahead.

Siva Sivarajah
Chief Executive