March 13, 2026#WeAreNorthern
Meet Julie Loughran, Diabetes Nurse Consultant, Bundoora Centre and Community Services, Northern Health.
Q: First, let’s start with your coffee order?
A: The most challenging part of moving to Australia was finding the right coffee. After many combinations I have now found the perfect choice – weak long black with cold milk and hot water on the side, never did I think coffee could be so complicated!
Q: Tell us about your journey at Northern Health.
A: I began working at Northern Health 13 years ago, shortly after moving from the UK to Australia. It’s hard to believe how quickly that time has passed. Over the years, Northern Health has evolved significantly, and while I continue to work as a Diabetes Nurse Consultant, the role itself has continually developed and expanded.
I have always worked within the sub-acute setting at Northern Health, collaborating closely with the whole diabetes team. More recently, I have also had the opportunity to work alongside community and transition services, supporting patients as they move from hospital to home and helping to ensure seamless continuity of care for people managing diabetes after discharge.
One of the most significant changes in diabetes care during this time has been the rapid advancement of technology. Continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump therapy have been transformative for many people living with diabetes. It truly is an exciting time to be working in this field.
Q: What is the best part of working at Northern Health?
A: Northern Health is open to new ideas. There is an attitude of can do rather than cannot, it is very refreshing.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your role?
A: Every now and again we can have a sweet treat! Often staff members hide the sweeter things when they see me coming.
Q: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
A: Listening, it is such a valuable skill. It is always so easy for us to tell a client what we think they should know rather than listening to what they want to know. Information overload is a real issue in diabetes education – we have so much to say but timing is everything.
Q: How do you like to spend your weekends or time off?
A: Like many I try to keep fit, my passion is running but always comes with the risk of injury. A weekend full of exercise, coffee, time with friends and family and a glass of wine is the perfect weekend.
Q: Who or what inspires you most?
A: I am continually inspired by the researchers whose work has transformed the lives of people living with diabetes. Having worked in the field for more than 25 years, I have witnessed extraordinary advances in equipment, treatment options, and technology. The progress has been remarkable.
I am now looking forward to the opportunity to train as a registered nurse prescriber. This new initiative represents an important step forward, enabling nurses to practise to their full scope and further enhance patient care.
