Standard 2 of the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards focuses on partnering with consumers, families and carers to improve the safety, quality and experience of care.

At Northern Health, consumer representatives play a vital role in shaping inclusive, accessible and responsive services through their lived experience.

One such contributor is Jane Spracklan, a consumer representative on the Disability Working Group (DWG).

Jane was diagnosed with a degenerative retinal dystrophy at the age of 19 and became legally blind by her mid‑20s. Despite this, she completed a Master’s thesis in pure philosophy and went on to spend more than a year backpacking around the world, an experience she describes as deeply educative.

Over the years, Jane has balanced caring responsibilities, running her own business in Lorne (WAITOGO Craft), and raising two children. Now that her children are adults, she remains creatively and community focused. Jane participates in a Vision Australia woodwork program, creates papier‑mâché sculpture from home, enjoys swimming and is an avid listener of audiobooks.

Jane has long volunteered within community gardens and now with Northern Health, where she brings her lived experience to the DWG to help improve hospital interactions for people living with disability, with a strong focus on inclusion and accessibility.

“I came to be involved as a volunteer with Northern Health during the early days of COVID. I presented to the initial fever clinic as a pedestrian and was directed to the drive-through testing facility, then told to return to the fever clinic. With only one door functioning as both entrance and exit, I phoned the hospital with a complaint. My feedback was received positively and viewed as constructive and valuable. I was invited to join the consumer team, which made me feel validated and empowered,” shared Jane.

“I continue to feel empowered by my role on the Disability Working Group. As a person living with disability, this is incredibly important. As a patient of Northern Health, I have found the professionalism and efficiency of the organisation to be outstanding. The strong sense of familial community, the warmth of staff and the evident high morale in such a large organisation are extraordinary.”

Jane describes feeling valued in her role and acknowledges she too has gained personally from her involvement, particularly through the sense of connection and community that Northern Health manages to retain.

Her contribution highlights the importance of consumer partnership in creating health services that are inclusive, respectful and shaped by lived experience.

“We are fortunate to have Jane partner with us,” says Clare McCarthy, Director Quality Safety and Patient Experience. “Jane’s lived experience sharpens how we listen, challenges our assumptions and helps us design care that is genuinely inclusive. This is what partnering with consumers should look like.”

“As a firm believer in collective wisdom, and the human element, I’m truly enjoying my new role — and Jane is a wonderful part of that journey. I’ll always cherish our first interaction while waiting for a taxi; she made an impact on me right from the start. Our conversations consistently shift my perspective, reminding me that sometimes it is through our disabilities that we see most clearly, and how, at times, our greatest ability can inadvertently become our disability. I truly value the profound insight she shares,” says Navneet Gill, Consumer Participation Coordinator, Northern Health.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Navneet Gill, Consumer Participation Coordinator and Jane Spracklan, Consumer Representative.

On Monday, 9 February, Northern Health welcomed 32 Graduate Nurses and Midwives across four programs: Registered Nurses, Registered Nurse/Registered Midwives (Combined Program), Registered Midwives, and the Registered Nurses Care of the Older Person program.

Following a three-day orientation, graduates will undertake structured programs across Epping, Bundoora and Broadmeadows, designed to support the development of clinical skills and consolidation of knowledge. The orientation combines practical and theoretical sessions to build confidence and competence, while introducing the professional and wellbeing supports available throughout their careers at Northern Health.

All graduates are supported by dedicated educator teams, preceptors and experienced clinical staff.

Of the 32 graduates, 11 have previously worked at Northern Health in roles such as Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing (RUSON) or Enrolled Nurse. As RUSONs, they supported nursing teams while completing their studies, gaining valuable clinical experience and insight into patient care. Many also completed undergraduate placements at Northern Health and have now chosen to begin their professional careers here.

For many, commencing their graduate year at Northern Health reflects both opportunity and alignment with their professional values.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to work at Northern Hospital, and I am excited to join a team that is committed to delivering high-quality patient care,” said Koray.

Wasana, transitioning from her Enrolled Nurse role at Northern Health, shared, “I’m thrilled to start my RN graduate year at Northern Health, expanding my skills and continuing to care for patients alongside a team I already admire and respect.”

Stacey is looking forward to “consolidating my knowledge and constantly learning to be the best nurse I can be,” while Jasmeen is excited about “learning new skills and working in a fast-paced environment in ED.”

That many graduates have chosen to begin or continue their careers at Northern Health reflects the strength of our learning culture and supportive environment. Being recognised as an Employer of Choice reinforces our commitment to nurturing talent and building meaningful careers.

We are proud to support our 2026 Graduate Nurses and Midwives as they grow in confidence and capability, contributing to safe, high-quality care for our community.

“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” — Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights

This Library Lovers’ Day (14 February), Northern Health is celebrating a place many of us already know and love – our Library. More than shelves of books, the Library is a trusted partner in learning, research, evidence-based practice, wellbeing and connection, supporting both clinical and non-clinical staff, as well as enhancing the experience of our consumers.

From helping clinicians access the latest evidence, to creating welcoming spaces to pause and recharge, the Library plays a quiet but powerful role across the organisation every day.

Whether you’re developing models of care, conducting research, studying, or simply needing a calm place away from the hustle of the hospital, the Library team is there, offering expert guidance, trusted resources and a genuinely welcoming environment.

As Dr Stephen Quick, Allied Health Research, shared, “The Library have been and continue to be an incredible support for the Allied Health Research Team, providing education, project-specific advice, and support with access to the most up-to-date evidence and journals. We are incredibly lucky to have the Library team as part of the Northern Health family.”

The CLEO team echoed this, highlighting how Library support with literature reviews has helped clinicians understand what works globally, particularly in virtual care, so services can be designed with both clinicians and patients at the centre.

Beyond research and learning, the Library’s impact reaches directly into patient care. Initiatives such as Patient Libraries and the Care and Comfort program support wellbeing, inclusion and meaningful activity during admission.

Jeena Katuwal, NUM, Ward 16, reflected on the Patient Library space.

“The Patient Library has become more than a collection of books. It has grown into a place of connection for everyone who walks through our doors,” she said.

At the Broadmeadows Adults Inpatient Unit, Tamara Cannan, NUM, shared how access to diverse reading materials and handmade comfort items has enhanced the consumer experience, helping people feel supported, valued and cared for during their stay.

For many staff, the Library is also a personal haven. Larni Koutsofrigas, Support Services Coordinator, summed it up perfectly, “It is a place where you can go to zone out from the hustle and bustle of the hospital… like hanging out at your favourite coffee shop – no coffee, but there are minties.”

Friendly faces, quiet rooms, expert help and a welcoming vibe – it’s easy to see why so many of us keep coming back.

“To mark Library Lovers’ Day, we’re inviting staff to add a hand-written love letter to the Library noticeboard. Tell us what you love about the Library, a librarian who’s helped you, or how the space supports your work or wellbeing,” said Tania Barry, Director, Library and Information Literacy Services.

“If you’re around, come check out the noticeboard, add your message, and if you hand it in to Library staff, you’ll receive a sweet treat!” she added.

Happy Library Lovers’ Day!

Pictured in featured image: Northern Health Library members. 

A new mural has been unveiled in the children’s ward at Northern Hospital Epping, bringing a burst of colour and warmth to a space that can often feel daunting for young patients and their families.

The large-scale artwork, filled with vivid colours and playful imagery, has been designed to lift spirits and create a more welcoming environment for children receiving care. Spanning a prominent wall in the ward, the mural transforms the clinical setting into one that feels more hopeful, imaginative and comforting.

The mural is already making a noticeable difference, helping to reduce anxiety and bring a smile to the children’s face, helping to change the mood of the space the moment they walk in.

The project was made possible through the generous support of Northern Health Foundation, along with dedicated community groups, Amici Clothing, St Francis of Assisi Primary School, Lions Club Reservoir, as well as our Workplace Givers whose ongoing contributions help fund initiatives that improve patient wellbeing beyond clinical care.

The Foundation said the mural reflects a broader commitment to creating healing environments for patients of all ages, particularly children, who may spend extended periods in hospital.

“Art has a powerful role in health care, and the artist has done a fantastic job in bringing this to life,” Kim Berger, Community Engagement Coordinator, Northern Health Foundation, said. “It helps to comfort, distract, and uplift. This mural is a way of saying to the young patients that they are supported, cared for and surrounded by positivity.”

For families navigating what can be a stressful and emotional time, the mural also offers a welcome distraction and a moment of brightness. Parents have described the artwork as calming and engaging, helping to spark conversations and imagination during hospital stays.

Community supporters and Workplace Givers were also acknowledged for their role in bringing the project to life, with hospital leaders emphasising that employee generosity directly supports meaningful improvements to patient spaces.

“This mural is a visible reminder of what community support can achieve,” Kim Berger said. “It’s not just paint on a wall, it’s an investment in comfort, joy and healing.”

“Workplace Giving also has an incredible impact on our health service. It allows staff to give back, and see these projects come to life. It benefits not only our patients, but our staff and visitors too. It has such a tremendous role to play at Northern Health, and I strongly encourage more staff to join the program.”

As the mural continues to brighten the children’s ward, Northern Health Foundation hopes it will leave a lasting impression on the young patients who pass through its doors, reminding them they are not alone on their journey to recovery.

The Foundation thanks its dedicated community groups, supporters, and Workplace Givers for their contributions in making this possible.

If you would like to make a donation to the Foundation, or sign up to become a Workplace Giver and see more projects like this come to life, please get in touch with the team at Northern Health Foundation at foundation@nh.org.au.

Northern Health has launched Victoria’s first state-wide Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation (VPR) service, a fully virtual program that brings evidence-based pulmonary rehabilitation into people’s homes through a single, integrated digital care pathway.

The shift to a virtual model, changes how pulmonary rehabilitation is delivered in Victoria, supporting more people with chronic lung disease to take an active role in managing their health and achieving the health outcomes that matter most to them.

For many people living with chronic lung disease, pulmonary rehabilitation can be life-changing. It improves breathlessness, increases exercise capacity, builds confidence, reduces hospital visits and helps people stay well at home.

Supported by Safer Care Victoria as a 12-month pilot, the service is designed to reach people across metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria, particularly those who have previously been unable to access centre-based programs due to distance, transport, work, caring responsibilities or health limitations.

“The Victorian Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation program supports a more accessible, equitable model of care for people living with chronic respiratory disease across Victoria,” said Janelle Devereux, Executive Director, Improvement at Safer Care Victoria. “Virtual pulmonary rehabilitation has strong evidence behind it, and this state-wide service is an important step in improving outcomes and reducing avoidable hospital care.”

The program is delivered through the My Health@Northern app, a secure digital platform designed to support people to manage their health at home. The app integrates personalised exercise programs, disease management education and remote monitoring, supported by a comprehensive multidisciplinary team including doctors, physiotherapists, nurses, pharmacists and psychologists. Care is provided through video telehealth appointments, regular virtual check-ins and ongoing monitoring, ensuring people remain connected to real clinicians throughout the program.

After an initial assessment, participants complete an eight-week exercise program aligned with evidence-based best practice. The program is individually prescribed and incorporates aerobic and resistance training, with exercises progressively adjusted over time to build strength, endurance and confidence. This is followed by an optional four-week self-management program that supports people to continue progressing their goals and managing their condition beyond the program itself.

Heather H, one of the first consumers to take part in the program, said she decided to participate after becoming unwell and experiencing a prolonged recovery.

“I became unwell and believed I was having a COPD flare up…my symptoms were not improving,” Heather H said.

“When my lung specialist suggested virtual pulmonary rehabilitation that I could do in the comfort of my own home, I happily agreed, as I’m hoping to learn tools to benefit living my life with COPD.”

Wearable technology such as fitness trackers and oximeters supports safe care at home, while routine collection of patient-reported outcome measures helps clinicians tailor care to what matters most to each individual.

“Doing the program virtually has been great, and I was very excited to get started,” Heather H said.

“Being able to do my lung rehabilitation at home means I feel comfortable and less anxious, and not having to travel has been a huge benefit for me.”

Chief Health Outcomes Officer and Director of Respiratory Medicine at Northern Health, Dr Katharine See, said the service represents a significant shift in how pulmonary rehabilitation is delivered.

“Pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the most effective treatments for COPD, yet many people have never been able to access it.” Dr See said. “This new virtual service changes that. It brings high-quality, evidence-based care into people’s homes, in a way that fits into real life.”

Virtual pulmonary rehabilitation is supported by strong evidence demonstrating improvements in symptoms, quality of life and patient confidence, alongside reductions in emergency department presentations and hospital admissions.

For people who have previously missed out on pulmonary rehabilitation, the service offers access to care that was simply not possible before. For clinicians, it introduces a coordinated, outcomes-focused model of care that can be delivered consistently and at scale.

“This is about improving access, equity and outcomes at scale,” Dr See said. “Most importantly, it’s about supporting people to live well with chronic lung disease and feel more in control of their health.”

The Victorian Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation service is now accepting referrals, visit https://vvsc.org.au/. For general enquiries or for more information, contact the VVPR team vvpr@nh.org.au.

Northern Health proudly congratulates Dr Krinal Mori, FRACS, General Surgeon and Consultant at Northern Health, on being named a recipient of the 2025 Educator of Merit Award – SET Supervisor/SIMG Supervisor of the Year (Victoria) by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).

The Educator of Merit Awards, an initiative of the Academy of Surgical Educators, recognise outstanding contributions to surgical education across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. In 2025, the Academy conferred five SET Supervisor/SIMG Supervisor of the Year awards and two Facilitator/Instructor of the Year awards, highlighting excellence in mentorship, training, and educational leadership.

Dr Mori’s award acknowledges his exceptional support of Surgical Education and Training (SET) Trainees, unaccredited trainees, Specialist International Medical Graduates, and medical students. A Melbourne-trained general surgeon, Dr Mori holds public appointments at Northern Health and Austin Health, is a SET Supervisor in Victoria, and lectures at the University of Melbourne.

Northern Health is one of Victoria’s major training hubs, with up to 100 junior surgical trainees at any given time. Dr Mori plays a central role in supporting this cohort through bedside and theatre teaching, structured tutorials, laparoscopic workshops, HMO education sessions, and skills-based training, including suture and laparoscopic skills labs.

He also regularly volunteers his time to supervise laparoscopic skills training, supporting not only surgical trainees and medical students but also colleagues from other specialties. His approach to education is widely recognised for its clarity, inclusiveness, and focus on creating psychologically safe learning environments.

Dr Mori believes effective surgical education extends beyond technical competence.

“When I was a trainee, I was privileged to work with some amazing mentors,” he said. “Their ability to teach complex concepts clearly and guide me through difficult situations inspired me to do the same for future trainees.”

Colleagues and trainees alike describe Dr Mori as approachable, supportive, and deeply committed to trainee development. His teaching encompasses clinical excellence, professional development, wellbeing, and encouraging trainees to take ownership of education within their training hubs.

Reflecting on his role as a surgical educator, Dr Mori said his proudest moments come from seeing trainees complete training successfully and contribute to a positive learning culture. “Watching trainees grow into confident surgeons and leaders, and seeing them champion education themselves, is incredibly rewarding.”

“It is a great personal and professional privilege to work alongside Dr Krinal Mori. His recognition with the 2025 Educator of Merit Award reflects the incredible influence he has had on his trainees, colleagues, and the wider surgical community. His ability to inspire, support, and elevate others makes him a true asset to both Northern Health and the broader surgical field,” said A/Prof Dennis Gyomber, Divisional Director, Surgery, Northern Health.

Northern Health congratulates Dr Krinal Mori on this well-deserved national recognition. His achievement reflects both his personal dedication to surgical education and Northern Health’s ongoing commitment to excellence in training, mentorship, and patient care.

Northern Health has proudly been named Employer of Choice – a recognition that reflects more than policies or programs. It speaks to our people, our culture, and the everyday moments that make Northern Health a place where staff feel valued, supported and connected to purpose.

Behind every award are real stories: people who chose Northern Health, stayed at Northern Health, grew at Northern Health, and continue to shape it.

That’s why we’re launching “Why Northern?”, a series of interview-based articles celebrating the voices of our people and what makes working here truly special.

From career journeys and personal connections to the small things that make a big difference, Why Northern? is about pride, belonging and the culture we’re building together.

Q&A with Pina Di Donato, Executive Director, Public Affairs and Foundation, five years at Northern Health 

Q: Why did you choose to work at Northern Health?

A: I choose to work at Northern Health because it is my way of giving back to the community where I was born and raised. While I no longer live locally and now commute, anyone who undertakes a long daily journey knows you need to genuinely love what you do to sustain it. And I truly do. Working at Northern Health gives my work purpose and meaning every single day.

Q: What is your connection to Northern Health?

A: My connection to Northern Health and the local community is long‑standing and multi‑dimensional. I was raised in Lalor, educated locally at St Peter’s Primary School and St Monica’s College, and my family ran a business in the area, so I’ve worked in this community throughout my entire career. My children also spent their early years in Mill Park before we moved closer to the city.

Before joining Northern Health, I served on the Northern Health Foundation Board for ten years, most of that time as Deputy Chair. In 2021, following an unsuccessful search for a Foundation Director, the Board asked whether I would step into the role for six months. What happened next was serendipitous—and here I am, almost five years later.

Q: What does being named an Employer of Choice mean to you personally?

A: Being named an Employer of Choice is more than an award—it’s a responsibility. It’s about delivering on our promises, embracing opportunities to grow and evolve, and doing so collaboratively. Our values say it best: creating a workplace where people feel safe to be their authentic selves, where kindness guides our interactions, and where we work together, regardless of our role, to serve our community.

Q: How would you describe the culture at Northern Health in three words?

A: Welcoming. Down-to-Earth. Family.

Q: What’s one thing Northern Health does really well for its people?

A: Northern Health does an exceptional job of embracing diversity and striving to be inclusive and welcoming. This is reflected not only in our patient cohort but also in our workforce. While there is always more we can do, what matters most is that inclusion is a genuine priority here.

Q: Can you share a moment that made you feel proud to work at Northern Health?

A: There are so many moments that make me proud, particularly those tied to the achievements of my teams. My greatest reward is seeing them step up and grow. Two members of my team came to us through the ‘Explorers Program’, while they were working in other departments. I am grateful that I got an opportunity to meet them and learn more about them. Now they are both working in the Public Affairs team, doing what they love and doing an amazing job!

Some of my proudest moments are when we have the opportunity to showcase Northern Health to the broader community, through events, official visits, overseas delegations, and media engagement, highlighting the incredible work happening across the organisation.

Q: How has Northern Health supported your growth — professionally or personally?

A: My own journey at Northern Health is a strong example of the opportunities available here to learn, grow, and step into new challenges. I’ve been supported to evolve professionally while remaining connected to the purpose that brought me here in the first place.

Q: What keeps you coming back each day? (coffee order counts too 😊)

A: It really is simple—the people. I am privileged to work with a very supportive executive team. More widely, I’m incredibly proud of how everyone works together toward a common goal, regardless of title or role. There’s a strong “can‑do” attitude, and Northern Health truly punches above its weight. We may not always receive the recognition, but we embrace the challenge and celebrate our wins together.

And yes—the coffee helps too. A skinny latte is my go‑to for anyone offering.

Q: What would you say to someone thinking about working at Northern Health?
A: I would say this: Northern Health is a place where you can make a real impact—and where the Chief Executive will say hello to you in the corridor, and get to know your name.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Tanya Dimovski, Foundation, Christina Xavier, Public Affairs, Danche Trajkovski, Public Affairs, Kim Berger, Foundation, Pina Di Donato, Jessica Reynolds, Public Affairs, Mike Masilamani, Public Affairs and Steve Carnell, Public Affairs.

Northern Health is thrilled to announce that Bessie Taitoko, Psychiatric Services Officer/Health and Safety Representative – BIPU, and Owen Glassenbury, MHICAR Senior Clinician/Clinical Nurse Consultant/Health and Safety Representative – BIPU, are finalists for the 2025 WorkSafe Health and Safety Representative (HSR) of the Year Award.

Bessie and Owen have gone above and beyond to make Northern Health safer and kinder for staff and patients. Their leadership perfectly embodies our values of Safe, Kind, Together, showing how HSRs can make a real difference every day.

Some of the amazing work they’ve done include:

• Safer patient admissions – Ensuring patients are placed in the right ward, reducing distress and keeping everyone safer.
• Better support for staff – Advocating for extra security when needed, helping staff feel confident, protected, and cared for in high-risk situations.
• Faster, smarter responses to violence – Improving Code Black procedures and strengthening collaboration with local police, so staff can act quickly and safely, with kindness and professionalism.
• Strong collaboration with program managers, management, and staff – Working closely with program managers, leaders, staff and other stakeholders to identify risks early and implement practical, frontline solutions, ensuring safety and kindness are shared priorities across the department.

Thanks to their dedication, Bessie and Owen have made our workplace safer, calmer, and more supportive. Their work reminds us that living our values of Safe, Kind, Together can spark big changes every day.

Let’s celebrate their achievement and be inspired to make safety and kindness a priority in our own teams!

We wish them all the best for the Awards night on 26 February 2026.

Featured image L-R: Rianna Cordina, ANUM/Clinical Nurse Consultant – BIPU, Owen Glassenbury, MHICAR Senior Clinician/Clinical Nurse Consultant/Health and Safety Representative – BIPU, Bessie Taitoko, Psychiatric Services Officer/Health and Safety Representative – BIPU, and Leon Tan, OHS Manager.