Northern Health is proud to present Visiting Hours, a podcast where listeners are invited beyond the frontline to learn about the inspiring lives, outstanding work and personal triumphs of our Northern Health family. Tune in, lean in, and be part of the touching narratives that remind us of the unwavering dedication and compassion of these wonderful humans that call Northern Health home.
New episodes are released fortnightly and are also available here – 
Latest Episodes
Visiting Hours Series 2 Episode 11 – Prof. Shekhar Kumta, Academic Lead, Department of Surgery
In this episode we visit with Professor Shekhar Kumta, Academic Lead for the Department of Surgery.
From early beginnings in India as a trauma surgeon, to micro-vascular reconstruction in Hong Kong, Shekhar recounts the steps that led him to Northern Health.
He identifies Northern Health as the perfect place to build research data sets, given the richly diverse cultural demographic of the area, and stresses the importance of keeping patient outcomes at the centre of that research.
He reveals how passions and hobbies can actually free up your mind enabling you to tackle work in new and creative ways. We learn that the opportunity to interact with people is the driving force behind everything he does.
Stop by and enjoy a visit with us.
Visiting Hours Series 2 Episode 10 – Betty Soraghan, Resident, Dianella Village Kilmore
It’s not often you have the privilege to sit and chat with someone that’s 104 years young. As we visit with Betty Soraghan in the hair salon at Dianella Village, nestled in Kilmore’s rolling hills, it’s our hope that you catch a glimpse of not just the lady she is today, but the youthful woman whose life experiences shaped her.
In this episode Betty, joined by her daughter Anne, recalls getting all done up for the Saturday night dances, horse-riding with no bridle in sight and how important having the Kilmore District Hospital is for the community.
Although some memories have begun to fade, Betty’s recollections of hard work, a good family, and neighbours you could count on, have become indelible truths.
Come in out of the cold, grab a hot beverage and snuggle in to Visiting Hours.
Visiting Hours Series 2 Episode 9 – Gordon Dennis, Northern Health Consumer Advisor
In this episode we visit with Gordon Dennis, one of Northern Health’s Consumer Advisers.
A retired Artificer Sergeant Major in the Australian Army, Gordon draws on his years of experience, to pass on what he knows for the benefit of others.
He shares on the importance of building a good reputation, dealing with loss and loneliness and how he’s come full circle by building model replicas of the locomotives he worked on as an apprentice.
All board, as Episode 9 is about to leave the Visiting Hours station – Stand clear please. STAND CLEAR.
Visiting Hours Series 2 Episode 8 – Adj. Assoc. Prof. Tony McGillion
In this episode we visit with Adjunct Associate Professor Tony McGillion, Northern Health’s Divisional Director of Education and Training. From early work as a nurse in the U.K. and Saudi Arabia, through to his various roles in education, Tony’s appreciation for other cultures has left him at ease encouraging those around him to feel comfortable and accepted.
We explore the role of education in a health setting and beyond, discuss the benefits of mentorship from both sides of the coin and discover just when you hit ‘the wall’ on a long-distance run.
Come on in, make yourself at home.
Visiting Hours Series 2 Episode 7 – Chief Operating Officer, Debra Bourne
In this episode we visit with Debra Bourne, Northern Health’s Chief Operating Officer. From grassroots healthcare to a senior executive role, Deb has never lost her love of nursing and midwifery. She celebrates the positive impact nurses and midwives have on their patients and offers some sage advice for those thinking about starting a career in health.
We chat about the importance of switching off outside of work, despite the temptation of a home office, delve into her love of opera and discover how a gift from her son led to an encounter with the King.
Come on in, we’re happy for the company.
Visiting Hours Series 2 Episode 6 – Jacque Dulson
In this episode we visit with Jacque Dulson from Northern Health’s Fertility Clinic. A delightful advocate for the Northern Health values of safe, kind, and together; Jacqui shares the highs and lows of working in fertility and the importance open communication as a pathway to resilience. She reveals her true passion when it comes to movies, her rediscovery of the gym, and how a Hungry Jack’s burger wrapper changed her life forever.
Come on in, visiting hours are open.
Visiting Hours Series 2 Episode 5 – Fiona Jeal
In this episode we visit with Fiona Jeal, Program Manager with Northern Health’s Mental Health Division. A firm believer in harnessing her team’s strengths, Fiona talks about the importance of having the right people offering the best care. She celebrates the quiet achievers, brings class to the campsite, and happily switches hats between captain and pirate.
Visiting Hours Series 2 Episode 4 – Fidel Touma
In this episode we visit with Fidel Touma, Consultant General Surgeon at Northern Health. A proud father and smitten husband, Fidel shares candidly about leaving his life behind in Syria and starting over in Australia, with his family by his side. He talks about the importance of treating patients with respect and the kindness shown to him by Northern Health staff as he navigated new frontiers. As you listen, you’ll understand why Fidel is held in such high regard by his family, his community, and his patients.
Visiting Hours Series 2 Episode 3 – Wanda Stelmach
In this episode we visit with Associate Professor Wanda Stelmach, Northern Health’s Chief Medical Officer. Wanda shares her insights on the importance of nurturing hobbies, skills and interests outside of work, her gutsy navigation of a heavily male dominated field with graceful aplomb, and her special connection with Thailand.
Visiting Hours Series 2 Episode 2 – Natalia Dewiyani
In this episode we visit with Natalia Dewiyani, Northern Health’s Spiritual Care Coordinator. Natalia talks about the importance of holding a space for patients to express their true selves, overcoming cancer one smile at a time, and the spicy secret weapon she never leaves home without.
Visiting Hours Series 2 Episode 1 – Wendy Nicol
In this episode, we visit with Wendy Nicol, Northern Health’s Operation Manager of Support Services. Wendy discusses her vision for the department, shares openly about her battle with the BRCA2 gene, but draws the line at singing Disney songs… in public.
Visiting Hours Episode 11 – Chief Exec. Siva Sivarajah
In this episode we visit with Siva Sivarajah, Northern Health’s Chief Executive. Siva shares the plans for Northern Health’s expansion over the next few years, to better serve our community. He chats about studying in London, his love of cricket, and how a magnifying glass might just help keep you from going hungry.
Visiting Hours Episode 10 – Adj. Prof. Anthony Gust
In this episode we visit with Adjunct Professor Anthony Gust, Northern Health’s Executive Director of Digital Health. Anthony shares his insights on the virtual space, his fascination with historical adventure, and how three circles and some thought can lead you to your dream job.
Visiting Hours Episode 09 – Danielle Cook
In this episode we visit with Danielle Cook, Northern Health’s Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. Danielle shares the importance of compassion in clinical excellence, her love of baking and how the toss of a coin led her on a path she never imagined.
Visiting Hours Episode 08 – Leanne Murphy
In this episode we visit with Leanne Murphy, a Northern Health Consumer Representative. Leanne shares her insights on self-advocacy, the lessons learnt on a pilgrimage through Spain and the meaning of life.
BONUS Extended Hours episode – Leanne Murphy
In this bonus ‘Extended Hours’ episode Leanne talks in-depth about her birthing trauma, her healing journey, and some warning signs to be aware of. The Extended Hours episode does contain some sensitive content, but understanding Leanne’s experience adds so much depth to her triumphant story.
Visiting Hours Episode 07 – Jason Amos
In this episode we visit with Jason Amos, Northern Health’s Manager of Emergency Management. Jason shares his experiences as a firefighter, his family’s routine as they deal with a rare form of epilepsy, and how a sweet mobile phone plan prompted a relationship status update.
Visiting Hours Episode 06 – Doctor Vinita Rane
In this episode we visit with the head of Northern Health’s Medical Unit 5, Doctor Vinita Rane. She shares her experiences on the collaborative care for patients, the importance of selfcare for clinical staff, and how enabling people to share their stories is such a powerful tool for healing.
Visiting Hours Episode 05 – Cheryl Murray
In this episode we visit with Breast Care Nurse Consultant Cheryl Murray. Cheryl shares her insights on helping patients navigate life-changing diagnoses, her advice to new nurses just starting out, and reveals the playlist that pumps her up to take her opponents down.
Visiting Hours Episode 04 – Tracey Webster OAM
In this episode we visit with Tracey Webster OAM, Director of Clinical Leadership, Effectiveness & Outcomes (CLEO). Tracey talks about the success of Northern Health’s Digital Pathways program, service to the community and how Crocodile Dundee changed her life forever.
Visiting Hours Episode 03 – Professor Don Campbell
In this episode we visit Professor Don Campbell, Northern Health’s Divisional Director of Hospital Without Walls. Don talks about health service innovation, research trials and how an ironing board, a football match and a players reaction has led to some amazing encounters in Alice Springs.
If you are interested in being part of the Intranasal Heparin Trial (INHERIT) mentioned in this episode, and would like to know more please click here.
Visiting Hours Episode 02 – Assoc. Prof. Joe Rotella
In this episode we visit with Associate Professor Joe Rotella, an emergency department physician and clinical toxicologist heading up Northern Health’s SPECTRE Unit. We chat about his motivation to help people, his passion for sharing information and why teleportation would be his ‘go to‘ superpower.
Visiting Hours Episode 01 – Karen Bryant
Today we’ll be visiting with Northern Health’s Senior Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Karen Bryant. We chat about visits to Country, the importance of family and her divisive choice in pizza topping that’s outraged some of her friends.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which this podcast is recorded, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nations. We pay respects to their Elders past, present and future. Embracing their rich tradition of conveying information and ideas through stories and song, by sharing our stories with you.
Visiting Hours Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in
this podcast are those of the speakers and do
not necessarily reflect the views or positions of
Northern health.
