Palliative care focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses, regardless of their specific condition. The goal of palliative care is to empower patients to live as fully as possible during their illness journey.

National Palliative Care Week (NPCW), held from May 19 to May 25, 2024, is Australia’s largest annual initiative to raise awareness about palliative care. It aims to increase understanding of palliative care services and recognise the dedication of the palliative care workforce and volunteers.

At Northern Health, our multidisciplinary palliative care staff collaborates to provide high-quality healthcare and support to those living with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Our teams include the Palliative Care Unit and Palliative Care Consult teams.

Research plays a crucial role in improving palliative care. It informs best practices, clinical decision-making, and the development of new treatments and services. Northern Health clinicians are currently involved in two studies funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to enhance end-of-life care for older people.

The first is IMPART (Improving Palliative Care in Residential Aged Care using Telehealth). Dr Penny Harvey, Geriatrician and A/Prof Barbara Hayes, Advance Care Planning Clinical Lead and Palliative Care Consultant, are both investigators on this study, which is a multi-site Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial.

The study is led by Prof Kwang Lim, Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) and the National Ageing Research Institute and involves 10 aged care facilities within the catchments of RMH, Austin Health, and Northern Health.

The study aims to improve end-of-life care by providing online learning modules for staff, covering various aspects of caring for dying patients, including the use of Residential Aged Care Goals of Care Forms (developed by Northern Health). The primary outcome measure is the use of acute hospital services during the trial period. Consumer and staff feedback is collected via surveys and structured interviews.

The second is CELPI, (Carer End of Life Planning Intervention ). This multi-state randomised controlled trial focuses on people dying with dementia. Associate Professor Barbara Hayes is an Investigator for Victoria, and Ms. Bernadette Sweeney serves as the Intervention Clinician. The study promotes knowledge about palliative care, advance care planning, and carer support resources. The primary outcome measure is acute hospital use during the trial period.

Apart from NHMRC-funded studies, the Northern Health Palliative Care team conducts hospital-based research directly related to our patient cohort. These efforts, led by Associate Professor Jaclyn Yoong, Medical Oncologist and Palliative Care Physician, provide valuable insights applicable to the broader community.

Some examples are, palliative care service delivery e.g. in heart failure and progressive neurological disease, health economic analysis of the Palliative Care Unit relocation, and the impact of visitor restrictions on palliative care inpatients’ wellbeing.

“Congratulations and thank you to everyone for working so hard to improve care at the endof life throughout our community and for exploring how we can meet the needs of a growing and ageing population,” says Dr Alison Giles, Head of Palliative Care.

Information about the Northern Health Palliative Care service, as well as resources for clinicians caring for patients with palliative care needs, is available on the Northern Health intranet.

Main image shows the team at the Palliative Care Ward at Northern Hospital Epping, wearing the orange heart, a symbol of ‘always being there’- values that connect with palliative care. 

Up to four in five people who die could have benefitted from palliative care – or around 300 to 360 people every day in Australia. These numbers are increasing every year as our population ages and health needs become more complex; between 2020 and 2050, demand for palliative care is projected to double. Unfortunately, many people who would benefit from palliative care miss out – especially but not only in rural and regional areas.

National Palliative Care Week (NPCW) 2024, held from Sunday 19 May to Saturday 25 May 2024, is Australia’s largest annual initiative to raise awareness about palliative care, increase understanding of its services, and recognise the skill, dedication and ‘heart’ of the palliative care workforce and volunteers.

“Approximately half of us die in residential aged care facilities, highlighting how important it is that we support our colleagues working in these areas,” says Dr Alison Giles, Head of Palliative Care.

Our multidisciplinary palliative care staff at Northern Health, including the Palliative Care Unit and Palliative Care Consult teams, work together to provide high quality health care and support for people living with a life-limiting illness, as well as their families.

This year the palliative care service is delighted to welcome Dr Lucy Forrest, Music Therapist, to the team. Supported by a grant from the Palliative Care Consortium, Dr Forrest’s work transcends clinical boundaries, weaving melodies into the fabric of care.

Research underscores the profound effects of music on our wellbeing. Physiologically, it can soothe frayed nerves, ease pain, and reduce anxiety. Emotionally, it connects us to memories and provides solace. In the realm of palliative care, music becomes a lifeline — a bridge between the hospital room and the outside world.

Natalia Dewiyani, Spiritual Care Coordinator says, “When people are in grief, which we often see in palliative care wards, music can offer calmness and serenity more than words can do.”

“I have witnessed the therapeutic benefit of having Lucy’s talent and skill as a music therapist and also her calming presence.”

Dr. Forrest believes that music transforms spaces. Whether a bustling ward or a quiet bedside, her harp strings resonate with healing energy. Familiar tunes evoke memories, offering moments of reflection.

Her presence is a balm for patients and families. Amidst sadness and heartbreak, her therapeutic harmonies bring positivity and peace. For one patient, it’s a personal concert—a gift unexpected, yet deeply moving:

“On a busy evening shift recently, I heard a sound I was drawn to. I was not the only one. There in a corner was Lucy magically making the harp sing! Staff stopped and listened for themselves, however the main thrill was knowing that our patients were listening also.”

“Later that evening, I witnessed Lucy playing for a patient who was laying quietly in her bed. The look on the patient’s face was priceless – her own special concert!” recounts Registered Nurse, Barbara Watson.

It’s not just about calming melodies. “I have had feedback from families who have found Lucy’s music offers them peace, both for themselves, and peace in the knowledge that their loved one who is dying would also find Lucy’s music calming at such a difficult time,” says Reverend Melanie Moore, Anglican and Palliative Care Chaplain.

Dr. Forrest sums it up beautifully: “Music brings beauty, calm, joy, and creativity. Knowing it touches someone’s soul — that’s the heart of my job.”

If you would like to learn more about Palliative Care, you can visit the Palliative Care Australia website. Information about the Northern Health Palliative Care service, as well as resources for clinicians caring for patients with palliative care needs, is available on the Northern Health intranet.

Featured image: Dr. Lucy Forrest, Music Therapist.

Northern Health is excited to launch the CARE with Kindness Campaign 2024.

This campaign is driven by our commitment to enhance respectful patient-centred communication, fundamental hygiene, a clear safe environment and purposeful rounding for our Northern Health community. It builds on a philosophy of improving basic care for all our patients in all areas of Northern Health. Champions in each area are empowered and encouraged to guide staff in enhanced CARE for our patients.

We are improving care for patients by building on four major pillars:

Communication

• We communicate with respect and compassion.
• Each day we ask our patients – “what matters to you today?”
• We acknowledge the vulnerability and inclusivity needs of the patient

Activities of daily living

• We offer assistance with a patient’s daily living activities.
• This includes acts of hygiene, such as assisting patients to wash their bodies, brush their teeth, groom their hair and shave as needed.

Rounding with purpose

• We look at proximity of patient and aids.
• We ensure all equipment used is plugged in and safe.
• We offer personal needs such as hand wash or toileting assistance.
• We ask about pain relief and analgesic and ensure position change of patient to maintain comfort.
• We do this purposefully every hour and document in the EMR.

Environment

• We ensure that the environment is clean, hygienic and clutter free.
• We ensure beds are made and rooms are tidied.
• We ensure the patient can reach personal items.

“At Northern Health, we always endeavour to prioritise open and transparent patient centred communication. Clear communication fosters trust and creates a supportive environment for all and ensures that patients and their families are always informed and involved in decision-making processes,” said Annabel Milonas, Director, Education – Nursing and Midwifery.

“The CARE Campaign will help support and empower staff to build on the exceptional care they already deliver to their patients. Over the coming weeks, we look forward to sharing some positive stories from our patients, highlighting the positive impact of the CARE Campaign at Northern Health.”

Please click here for more information.

Featured image (L-R): Annabel Milonas, Susan Brown, Kate Duggan and Sarah Hulbert Lemmel

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Tania Barry, Director, Library and Information Literacy Services, Northern Health.

Q: What is your coffee order? 

A: Almond milk flat white – preferably large!

Q: Tell us about your new role at Northern Health?

A: As the Director of Library and Information Literacy Services, my role is to support the growth and development of the library and information literacy services both within Northern Health and the communities within Northern Health catchment areas. This involves identifying and implementing initiatives to promote health literacy for all Northern Health staff, students and community members, and promoting the library as a key health information literacy provider, with my team as subject matter experts in this space. This also involves providing staff with services and resources to practice evidence-based healthcare.

Q: Describe Northern Health in three words?

A: Kind, aMAZEing (I still get lost!!), caring.

Q: What is your biggest achievement till date (both professionally and privately)?

A: Personally, being fortunate enough to have four children (one of whom is a fourth-year medical student!). Professionally, I developed a foundational literacy program for children called 1000 Books Before School, which was the first in Victoria, based on a program running in the US. It became so popular, that the State Library Victoria rolled it out to every public library in Victoria. Several public libraries interstate have now implemented this model 😊

Q: If you could listen to any song for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: I cycle through songs, but my current favourite is Copperhead Road by Steve Earle 😊

Exercise Right Week 2024 is urging us to embrace movement with its theme, “Just Move!”

Exercise Right, led by Exercise & Sports Science Australia, champions the benefits of exercising ‘right’ for your health, wellbeing, and overall fitness. Join us in promoting 30 minutes of daily exercise in May through the Exercise Right Week and Exercise Right Challenge campaigns.

“While the 10,000 steps per day recommendation may seem overwhelming, research suggests that 7,000 to 8,000 steps daily offer substantial health benefits. Achieving this target just twice a week can yield significant advantages, with increasing levels of physical activity providing a continuum of benefits. So, every bit of movement counts towards a healthier you,” says Dylan Perera, Senior Exercise Physiologist – Staff Exercise Physiology Clinic, Northern Health.

Northern Health prioritises the importance of exercise by establishing the Staff Exercise Physiology Clinic, a tangible and evidence-based health benefit accessible to all Northern Health staff.

The clinic serves individuals with risk factors or existing chronic diseases and musculoskeletal conditions, as well as those seeking to make healthy lifestyle changes to enhance both their longevity and quality of life.

With expertise in exercise prescription for various health conditions, Exercise Physiologists at the clinic customise evidence-based interventions to meet individual needs, promoting sustainable behaviour change in a collaborative and patient-centered approach.

For more information about the clinic, including how to self-refer, refer to Intranet.

Incorporating movement into the workday can be challenging, especially for those with desk-based and sedentary roles. However, it is essential to make an effort. The recommendation is to break up extended periods of sitting every 30 to 60 minutes with brief movement intervals. Engaging in a few steps or other whole-body movements during these intervals stimulates metabolic and cardiovascular responses, promoting overall health.

“Another important finding is that it’s not just about the sheer volume of steps that matter, but how regularly those steps are accumulated throughout the day. When we break it down, it essentially revolves around muscle contractions and the choice to increase physical activity, perfectly resonating with the Exercise Right Week 2024 theme: Just Move!” adds Dylan.

Across the organisation, Northern Health has a team of skilled and passionate Exercise Physiologists who deliver patient care to our northern community across a number of different programs throughout the network.

This Exercise Right Week, we want to spread the message of moving more for a more active and healthy community and encourage clinicians to consider referral of their patients to Exercise Physiology services internally and externally.

Together, we can make a powerful impact!

To expedite support services for all areas of Northern Health (clinical and non-clinical), the Support Services team is launching a designated Support Services Patient Services Assistant (PSA) Help Desk to service Northern Health, 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

The purpose of the Help Desk is to be the first point of contact for Support Services for all departments. The Help Desk can receive calls and immediately assist to resolve any queries or assist by redirecting the employee to the appropriate area. This will streamline the processes and ensure a faster response time is provided, with more immediate support given.

“We are very excited to launch the new Support Services PSA Help desk. Our hope is that having one number to call for all Support Services/PSA needs will help to expedite support for all areas of Northern Health. We aim to provide our employees with a higher level of customer service by ensuring that one call is all that is required to be given the help or information they seek. This will lead to faster response times, with more immediate support given, where it is most needed,” said Wendy Nicol, Support Services Operations Manager, Northern Health.

The Help Desk will assist with all the usual Support Services such as:

• Cleaning requests and queries
• CARPS queries (including patient transfers, pathology and pharmacy runs etc)
• Food service requests
• Any other support services queries outside of normal hours

Lyndsey Bowdler, Support Services Operations Manager and Larni Koutsofrigas, Support Services Coordinator, will continue to assist with any linen, waste and car parking needs during business hours.

The Help Desk will not replace, but will rather complement, the current CARPS system and handle any queries that are usually received via phone. The Help Desk team will also monitor the CARPs jobs logged via the CARPS portal, to ensure tasks are being completed in a timely manner and to align resources to logged jobs.

Employees can call the Help Desk 24/7 via extension 58189 or 58677, from any campus.

The Help Desk will be staffed by the PSA Supervisor on shift at Northern Hospital Epping.

For queries at Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora Centre and Craigieburn Health Services, employees are encouraged to continue to contact the onsite Support Services crew during normal business hours.

The Help Desk is available to assist with all queries outside of normal hours.

Picture in the featured image: Paul Trevena, PSA Supervisor, Northern Health. 

“May 2023. I had spent the week of my 17^th birthday celebrating with my friends and family, not knowing how quick my life was about to change. I am now one of the youngest survivors of a rare flesh-eating infection called Necrotizing Fasciitis and this is my story” – Caitlin Cooper, Northern Health patient.

When Caitlin Cooper, a vibrant 17-year-old student and dancer urgently presented to Northern Health Emergency Department after injuring her right foot dancing, she was completely unaware her life would take an unexpected turn. Caitlin suffered horrendous pain and rapid swelling, but thanks to the prompt action of a plastic surgeon, she was swiftly diagnosed with Necrotizing Fasciitis.

What followed was a series of surgeries and treatments including antibiotics, extensive debridement and various medical procedures. Caitlin spent most of her time at Northern Hospital Epping under the attentive care of specialist nurses on Ward 19, and later, on Ward 2, surrounded by paediatric nurses during her reconstruction phase.

Her recovery journey was challenging. Caitlin had to re-learn basic activities, maintain proper nutrition for healing and keep a positive outlook. Throughout it all, she found solace in the dedicated care of the nurses and staff, who not only tended to her medical needs, but also provided emotional support during her toughest moments.

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget the nurses and the care I received on Ward 19 and the Children’s Ward. They always made sure I was happy and helped find positives in each day. They would put a smile on my face when I needed it the most, stay with me if I couldn’t sleep and were always there for me, especially on my bad days,” said Ms Cooper.

“I would also like to acknowledge my plastic surgeons and plastics doctors that came around each morning and made me feel comfortable by keeping me informed of my progress. The connections I’ve made with my doctors, surgeons, nurses and all the other staff that I met at the Northern Hospital over the last year, has given me wonderful memories to think back on rather than my traumatic experience.”

After eight surgeries and 29 days spent in the hospital under the care of a multidisciplinary team, Caitlin was finally discharged. Even after leaving the hospital, she continued her recovery journey with regular visits to the Northern Health Wound Clinic.

Despite the hardships, Caitlin’s story didn’t end with her recovery. She became a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.

“Four news channels interviewed me, and my story went viral, reaching millions of people! What I loved most was being able to lend a hand to others facing similar challenges. I received tons of messages and comments from people who wanted to share their own stories—it was incredible! Being called an inspiration meant the world to me. It’s what fuels my drive to keep dancing with all my heart,” said Ms Cooper.

Today, Caitlin is back doing what she loves – dancing. She has returned to her performing arts college and has even been accepted as a principal dancer for the Victorian State School Spectacular 2024. Despite the hurdles, Caitlin is now training full-time while completing her final year of high school.

Recently, Caitlin had the opportunity to share her journey at the Northern Health Plastics Study Day. Amongst the other presenters on the day were; Tessa Bruno, Plastics Clinical Nurse Consultant, Vicki Malamatinas, Plastics Nurse Practitioner, Northern Health Plastic Surgery team members, Hand Therapy, Polynovo and others. Caitlin’s presentation allowed nursing staff to gain insight into the patient’s perspective and the importance of providing compassionate care during long hospital stays.

“Having Caitlin present on the day gave staff a firsthand glimpse into the patient’s perspective, highlighting the critical role of support, education, and patient input during their hospital stay. It provided valuable insights into how staff can incorporate diverse approaches into their practice to better support long-stay and complex reconstructive patients, ensuring they receive comprehensive care,” said Ms Bruno.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Caitlin Cooper and Tessa Bruno, Plastics Clinical Nurse Consultant.

Last week, Northern Health hosted the Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards, virtually coming together to honour and celebrate the exceptional contributions of our staff.

Michelle Fenwick, Executive Director, People and Culture, hosted the ceremony.

“Our award winners represent professionalism and the values of all our staff,” she said.

“Northern Health has thousands of staff who work across a range of areas, departments and sites, dedicated to providing care to our community each and every day.”

James Pownall, Director of Strategy and Systems, was presented with the Innovation Award for his work in developing an AI solution to a complex admin workflow in the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED).

James was nominated by Belinda Scott, who said in her nomination, “The result was a development of an AI bot to reduce admin burden for clinical staff, improve access to medical staff and reduce wait times for patients. More patients are able to be seen in the VVED without an increase in medical staffing.”

The Patient Experience Award went to Marita Wallace, Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist. Marita was nominated by Alison Giles.

“On a recent encounter with a frail patient in severe pain, Marita escalated the situation to ensure optimal care. Her good humour, wisdom and humanity is appreciated not just by her team, but also by many staff across the hospital, patients and their families,” Alison said in her nomination for Marita.

Natalia Dewiyani, Spiritual Care Coordinator, took home the Excellence in Leadership Award, for bringing exceptional warmth, compassion and humour to Northern Health. Natalia was nominated by Casey O’Brien, who said in her nomination, “Natalia has a philosophy to smile every day within life’s challenges. She knows intuitively when others are struggling and takes initiative to approach and support fellow colleagues in need with resources.”

The Education Award was presented to Ijaza Lafeer and Jade Howell, Medical Education Advisors. Both Ijaza and Lafeer deliver medical education to our junior doctors and were nominated by Carol Chong.

“Junior doctors who are new to Northern Health have mentioned how welcoming they both are they are always impressed with the high standards of orientation. The pair play a huge role in junior doctor wellbeing who often help to identify doctors who need more support.”

Ebin Ephrem, Senior Social Worker, won the Excellence in Safety Award. Ebin was nominated by Naushi Manzoor, who said in their nomination, “Ebin places a high priority on the assessment of each patient’s clinical needs, behavioural health concerns and the required level of care.”

“His ability to lead with a smile, even in the face of challenges, is a testament to his professional excellence and personal integrity.”

BankVic representatives, Rebecca Attard and Jay Farrell, attended the ceremony and presented the last two awards – Clinical Excellence and Rising Star.

Craig Kleeman, Emergency Department Enrolled Nurse, was presented with the Clinical Excellence Award. Craig was nominated by Emily Morton, who said in her nomination, “Craig is a long-standing employee of Northern Health and predominantly works in the Fast Track area of the ED. Craig is functioning at such a high level in this space with exceptional knowledge and skills and has the ability to observe patients’ injuries or assess illnesses and effectively communicate with senior colleagues around treatment plans.”

Lastly, Grace Zhou, Acting Manager Financial Accounting, won the Rising Star Award. Grace was nominated by Rick Garotti.

“Grace has stepped up to be the Acting Finance Manager while the current Manager/Deputy Director is on secondment. Grace is doing an amazing job in managing the Financial Accounting team – the team is operating at its highest level of efficiency and performance ever and Grace is providing strong leadership in a modest, no fuss way.”

Congratulations to all the award winners!

The Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards are proudly sponsored by BankVic and Northern Health Foundation.