April marks Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, support those living with the disease, and highlight the importance of early detection and ongoing care.

At Northern Health, we stand with our community in recognising the impact of Parkinson’s disease and reaffirm our commitment to providing compassionate, multidisciplinary care to those affected.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects the control of body movements. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in Australia, affecting more than 220,000 Australians. While there is no known cure, early diagnosis and access to appropriate medical, allied health, and community support services can significantly improve quality of life.

At Northern Health, our care teams work closely with patients and their families to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s through a collaborative, patient-centred approach. This may include support from neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, social workers and nursing staff – each playing a crucial role in helping individuals live well with Parkinson’s.

“One in five are diagnosed before the age of 50. Research suggests the number of people living this multifaceted disease is increasing. The disease affects the control of movement and various non-movement symptoms. No two people with Parkinson’s disease have the same symptoms. Common symptoms can include tremor when the limb is rested, slowness of movement, shuffling walking and mood changes,” says Dr Paul Kopanidis, Neurologist, Northern Health.

Parkinson’s disease is associated with an abnormal build-up of a protein in the brain called alpha-synuclein with accompanying loss of dopamine production. Medications are important in the management to improve symptoms and quality of life as they can supplement the loss of dopamine.

“Currently we do not have a disease modifying drug to stop the disease. However, exercise is a promising intervention to slow down the disease. It is therefore important to build a team of clinicians to treat Parkinson’s disease,” adds A/Prof Doug Crompton, Head of Neurology Unit, Northern Health.

We encourage everyone to learn more, show support, and get involved in raising awareness this April. Together, we can make a difference.

For more information on Parkinson’s disease, support, education and links to research programs, please visit Fight Parkinson

Northern Health staff and volunteers are now able to receive their annual influenza (flu) vaccination.

As Melbourne’s cold winter months approach, now is the time for staff and volunteers to come forward, roll up their sleeves and boost their immunity with the flu vaccine.

It is recommended by the Department of Health that individuals receive their annual flu vaccine from mid-April onwards to ensure protection against the flu when it is at its highest during the peak flu season, typically between June and September.

The flu is highly contagious and a potentially life-threatening disease. It is not the same as the common cold, with symptoms lasting up to two weeks.

“Getting the influenza vaccine this year remains important to ensure our patients and staff are kept safe,” said Barsha Baral, Manager, Infection Prevention and Surveillance.

“By being vaccinated, healthcare workers can help protect patients in their care by decreasing exposure to the virus.”

All staff members and volunteers at Northern Health are required to receive the flu vaccine. Immunising nurses will administer vaccinations in both clinical and non-clinical areas. Staff with contraindications must attend a face-to-face consultation with the Staff Health Nurse and send a medical exemption letting to staff.health@nh.org.au.

Influenza vaccinations will be available to staff via ward vaccinators. Alternatively, staff can visit the flu pop-up clinic at Northern Hospital Epping outside Ward 21. The clinic will operate Wednesday and Thursday this week from 9 am to 2.30pm. From Monday, 28 April, the clinic will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 2.30 pm. All clinical and non-clinical staff and volunteers are encouraged to take advantage of the flu pop-up clinic.

This year, Northern Health is providing the flu immunisation to staff only. The vaccine will still be available to inpatients, antenatal patients, and outpatients. The community is encouraged to visit their GP or local pharmacy for their influenza immunisation.

For more information, please visit the Intranet.

Featured image L-R: Basil Ireland, Chief Financial Officer, Barsha Baral, Manager, Infection Prevention and Surveillance, Lisa Cox, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Anthony Gust, Executive Director, Digital Health, and Michelle Fenwick, Executive Director, People and Culture.

Behind every accurate medical record is someone making sure the clinical truth is told, and at Northern Health, that someone is Mary Kouvas.

Mary, our Clinical Documentation Integrity/Improvement (CDI) Coordinator, has been named Clinical Documentation Specialist of the Year at the 2025 Clinical Documentation Improvement Conference.

This national recognition celebrates her extraordinary work in improving the quality and accuracy of patient documentation.

“I’m very honoured to receive the very first CDS of the Year award and grateful for the nomination and support from Northern Health,” said Mary.

“It came as a surprise and I wasn’t able to attend the conference in person, but I was thrilled to see Diana Villalta, a CDI team member, accept the award on my behalf and deliver such a beautiful speech.”

Mary’s impact is felt across our entire health service. From mentoring teams on the wards and educating junior doctors, to introducing smart tools like MedTasker, which lifted documentation response rates from 35 to over 90 per cent. Mary has been a quiet force for change.

She’s led the way in embedding better habits, celebrating quality documentation through the CDI Intern Award, and keeping patients at the centre of every conversation.

“CDI is a team effort,” she added. “It takes clinicians, CDSs, coders, and executives all working together to ensure our documentation tells the full story and supports better outcomes.”

Diana, who accepted the award on Mary’s behalf, shared: “Mary has put her heart and soul into CDI at Northern Health. She has this unwavering belief in the importance of accurate documentation and its impact on patient safety. Her dedication has inspired so many of us.”

“She doesn’t just lead, she uplifts everyone around her. Whether it’s supporting her team, mentoring junior staff or advocating for system improvements, Mary does it with purpose, warmth, and humility.”

“There are many facets to her role, but Mary is most passionate about educating staff, clinical and non-clinical, on the importance of complete, accurate and comprehensive patient documentation.”

Congratulations, Mary! Your passion, leadership and drive continue to shape the future of clinical care at Northern Health.

Earlier today, the annual Northern Health ANZAC Day Service took place at Dianella Hostel, Kilmore District Hospital (KDH).

For many years, this service has been deeply rooted in Bundoora Centre. This year, however, marked a new chapter as we united with the residents and staff of KDH to commemorate ANZAC Day.

The MC’s were Jennifer Gilham, Divisional Director Community Hospitals and Bec Van de Paverd, Divisional Director Medicine and Cancer Services-both with close ties to KDH.

They paid tribute to the 60,000 Australians who were killed and 156,000 wounded or taken prisoner in that war. Along with 800 Aboriginal Australians who landed at Gallipoli, 13 of whom were killed in action.

Readers included Dr Andrea Kattula, Board Member, Bev Carman, Patron, Northern Health Foundation, and Peter Craker, Commemorations Officer, Kilmore Wallan RSL.

The ANZAC Address was delivered by Chief Executive Debra Bourne, who drew attention to ‘the remarkable Australian nurses who served with unparalleled courage during the World Wars’.

She recounted the story of Matron Irene Melville Drummond, whose legacy endures as a testament to the resilience and courage of military nurses.

“Their bravery left an indelible mark on the broader medical field, inspiring generations to follow. Many were honoured for their heroism, while others paid the ultimate price. Yet, their selflessness often remains overshadowed, lost amidst the louder echoes of history,” stated Debra.

Among the special guests on the day were Cindy McLeish MP, Member for Eildon, Dean Adams, Team Manager and Tim Clancy from Ambulance Victoria, David Cretney, Watsonia RSL Pipes and Drums, members of Whittlesea Township Choir and the Ukelele Kilmore Group.

The service concluded with morning tea, complemented by a delightful musical performance from the Northern Health Community Choir, members of the Whittlesea Township Choir, and Ukelele Kilmore.

Lest We Forget.

 

You can watch the livestream of the service here.

On Saturday, 5 April 2025, the Kilmore Racing Club hosted the annual Bev Carman’s Race Day at Kilmore Racing Club, blending the excitement of country racing with heartfelt community support.

The event aimed to raise funds for cancer services at Northern Health, a cause deeply personal to Bev and her family. Thanks to Bev’s dedication, and the support of the northern community, the event was able to raise an incredible $10,000 towards Bev’s cause.

Bev is a dedicated community figure and patron of Northern Health Foundation, and has long been instrumental in organising this charitable race day. Her commitment stems from personal experiences with cancer within her family, motivating her to support others facing similar challenges. The funds raised contribute to acquiring life-changing equipment for chemotherapy patients and enhancing treatment experiences at Northern Health.

Bev has been a pilar in bringing cancer services to Northern Health, after learning that this was not available, almost 20 years ago. It is because of Bev’s strong commitment, drive, and unwavering support that this was made possible. Decades later, and Northern Health is now building on its vision of creating an inclusive cancer centre in the north, so patients and their families do not have to travel long distances to receive the treatment and care they need. The centre will also focus on holistic health and looking after the patient’s mental and emotional wellbeing during a difficult time.

Pina Di Donato, Executive Director, Public Affairs and Foundation, said, “it is always a pleasure for us to attend Bev’s events. She has an innate ability to gather like-minded people in a room, with a strong sense of community. Northern Health Foundation is extremely appreciative of Bev’s unwavering commitment and friendship.”

The day’s festivities featured exciting races, family-friendly activities, and a special luncheon. Attendees enjoyed antipasto on arrival, followed by a two-course meal, with proceeds directed to Northern Health Foundation.

Bev Carman’s Race Day stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration, combining the thrill of racing with the compassion of charitable giving, all in support of those battling cancer. We sincerely thank Bev for her ongoing support of cancer services at Northern Health, Northern Health Foundation, and the community it serves.

Northern Hospital Epping’s dedication to advancing global health has been recently recognised on an international stage.

The AlliGatOr Project, a groundbreaking study focused on improving emergency care systems worldwide, has acknowledged our team as one of the top five per cent of data contributors. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our healthcare professionals, who have played a crucial role in reaching nearly 1,000 patient entries – an impressive milestone for the project.

The AlliGatOr Project is an international prospective cohort study that uses appendicitis as a model to identify areas for improvement in emergency care. By collecting data from consecutive patients undergoing appendicectomy, the study aims to strengthen emergency care systems globally. Our hospital’s active participation has not only contributed to the success of this initiative but also underscores our commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes worldwide.

To celebrate this achievement, the AlliGatOr Management Team has offered to feature Northern Health’s team of contributors on their social media channels. This recognition will highlight the dedication and expertise of our healthcare professionals while showcasing our hospital’s commitment to global health initiatives.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr Teddy Anyomih and the AlliGatOr Management Team for this honour. Being part of a global effort to improve healthcare systems is a source of immense pride, and we look forward to continuing our contributions to this important research,” said Dr Russell Hodgson, Head of Surgical Research, Northern Health.

Here’s what some of the contributors had to say about receiving this recognition:

“I am glad to be part of a global study that provides the opportunity to evaluate differences in the presentation, diagnosis, and outcomes of one of the most common conditions we encounter in general surgery,” Dr Nasser Saket. 

“I wanted to get involved to help improve patient care for one of the most common pathologies we see. It also gave me a chance to deepen my understanding of what it takes to conduct high-quality research. I am unsurprised that Northern performed so well—my experience here has always been that the staff go above and beyond to deliver the best patient care possible,” Dr Ellen Dempsey. 

“Participating in the AlliGatOr Project marked my first experience in multicentre research. It has allowed me to contribute further to surgical research and, in turn, help improve patient outcomes both in Australia and abroad. It comes as no surprise that Northern Hospital ranks among the top contributors; in my time here, I have consistently witnessed an exceptional commitment to patient care and research participation,” Dr Cris Deliv.

“Being part of an international collabora tive study has been a valuable experience, offering insights into how large-scale projects are designed and implemented across different regions. Observing how well we structured the data collection process, it is no surprise that we rank among the top hospitals for recruitment. Nevertheless, hearing about this achievement fills me with immense pride,” Dr Frank Luo.

From all of us at Northern Health, congratulations!

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Dr Andrea Ditoro, Dr Eamonn Grennan, Dr Nasser Saket and Dr Russell Hodgson. 

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Matt Hood, Web Developer, Digital Health, Northern Health.

Q: Matt, could I start with your coffee order, please?
A: I go for a magic (double ristretto + equal parts milk) if I’m in Melbourne, and when I’m away, I order a flat white.

Q: What do you like most about your role at Northern Health?
A: I still feel relatively new at Northern Health, having joined early last year as a web developer. I’m part of the Digital Health development team alongside Andrew, Justin, and Mehdi, where we’ve built and continue to maintain the new registration portal for VVED, and are currently working with Residential-in-Reach on their referral system. I feel like I’ve found my tribe on the development team, surrounded by like-minded people who share the same bizarre enthusiasm for all things web development.

Q: You are a master of elevating a simple bowl of Mi Goreng. Can you walk us through what makes it stand out?
A: It’s pretty much the perfect work lunch already, so there’s not much left to do! I keep a stash of frozen veggies in the office freezer, which I add to boost the nutrients and overall wholesomeness. For some protein, I top it off with tinned tuna or I’ll crack an egg straight into the bowl and let it poach as the noodles cook. I love that it’s delicious, arguably nutritious, and doesn’t require me to be organised enough to remember to bring lunch to work.

Q: What are some things people don’t know about you?
A: My wife Bonnie and I play in a band together, a heavy-rock bass/drums duo called Palpitations. The name comes from the fact that I sometimes get palpitations for no reason – coming up with a band name is harder than it sounds! We’ve got a couple of gigs this weekend in Footscray and Fitzroy. Check us out on Instagram at @palpitationsband for a preview of what you might be in for.

Q: Tell us about your furry friend?
A: Meet the one and only Leslie – a Border Collie, Labrador, Golden Retriever suburban trifecta who is very cuddly, and too smart for her own good. She’s named after Primus bassist Les Claypool and Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation. She’s somehow clever enough to close the cupboards and put away her own toys, and silly enough to eat rocks and chase kangaroos.

(Featured image: Matt Hood and Leslie)

Looking after your wellbeing has never been easier, with two apps designed to support staff mental health and overall wellbeing.

Whether you need quick access to professional support or self-guided tools to improve your day-to-day psychological health, these apps can help.

Northern Health’s Employee Mental Health and Wellbeing Program (EAP) provider, Converge, has a dedicated app that makes accessing confidential support easier than ever.

Through the Converge app, staff can book EAP sessions directly, without needing to make a phone call, access a range of wellbeing resources, including articles and self-help tools, and contact professional counsellors for confidential support.

In addition to the Converge app, the myNorthernHealth offers a range of resources to help maintain and improve overall staff wellbeing.

Key features of the app include roster and fatigue management, guided mindfulness and relaxation exercises, tools for stress management and resilience building, and health and wellbeing information tailor to staff needs.

“With a focus on self-care, myNorthernHealth empowers you to take control of your mental and physical wellbeing at any time,” said Graham Wilson, Director OHS & Wellbeing.

Both apps are available for download on iOS and Android devices:

iPhone Converge – https://apps.apple.com/au/app/converge-international/id1118947629

Android Converge – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.goodbarber.convergeintl&hl=en_AU

The organisational code to register for the Converge App is: NORTGISA

myNorthernHealth QR Code for Android and iPhone:

If you have any questions or need assistance accessing these apps, feel free to reach out to the OHS & Wellbeing team: ohswb@nh.org.au.

For more information on our Employee Mental Health and Wellbeing Program (EAP) please click here or visit our THRIVE pages to access further Northern Health wellbeing supports.

Featured image: Graham Wilson, OHS & Wellbeing Director.