Northern Health has reflected on a remarkable year of achievement, innovation and growth at its 2025-26 Annual General Meeting, highlighting significant milestones that continue to strengthen healthcare delivery for communities across Melbourne’s north.
Attended by staff, consumers, community members, volunteers and partners, the meeting provided an opportunity to look back on a year defined by collaboration, excellence and a shared commitment to improving health outcomes.
A highlight of the year was Northern Health being named Large Health Service of the Year at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards, recognising the organisation’s outstanding contribution to patient care, innovation and service delivery. Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly described the award as a reflection of the dedication and commitment shown every day by Northern Health’s workforce.
The meeting also celebrated the opening of both Craigieburn Community Hospital and Mernda Community Hospital, expanding access to care closer to home for Melbourne’s rapidly growing northern communities. Significant progress was also acknowledged on the new Ambulatory Care Centre at Northern Hospital Epping, which officially opened during the year and will support thousands of additional outpatient appointments annually.
In presenting the Report of Operations, Chief Executive Debra Bourne reflected on a year of continued demand and service growth, with Northern Health caring for more than 133,000 admitted patients, managing 121,506 Emergency Department presentations, performing more than 25,000 planned surgeries, and welcoming 3,774 babies.
The Annual General Meeting also highlighted innovation across the organisation, including the ongoing success of virtual care models, research and education initiatives, workforce development programs and improvements to patient experience.
Chief Financial Officer, Basil Ireland, reported a strong financial result, with Northern Health delivering an operating surplus of $2.5 million and remaining the most cost-efficient health service in Victoria, according to Department of Health benchmark data. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Northern Health Foundation, which invested $1 million in medical research and equipment during the year.
Spehttps://youtu.be/0Glq8ILx-dQaking at the meeting, Debra Bourne said the achievements of the past year were made possible by the people of Northern Health. “When I think about Northern Health, I don’t think first about buildings, services or statistics. I think about people. Every achievement we celebrate today reflects the skill, compassion and commitment of our staff, volunteers, consumers, partners and supporters.”
Watch the AGM recording here: