In February 2019, the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System was formally established.
The final report of the Commission, which was tabled in a special sitting of the Victorian Parliament on 2 March 2021, recommends a mental health and wellbeing system that provides holistic treatment, care and support for all Victorians. These reforms will significantly change the way mental health services are delivered in Northern and Western metropolitan Melbourne.
Following from these recommendations, Northern Health is a designated mental health service from 1 July 2022.
On 4 July, we welcomed Northern Area Mental Health Services and North West Area Mental Health Services, We also welcomed the staff of Merv Irvine Nursing Home and McLellan House. Collectively, this make us the third largest mental health service in Victoria.
On 7 November 2022, the Bundoora Aged Persons Mental Health Unit (APMHU) and Assessment and Treatment Services (APATT) transferred to Northern Health.
On 1 July 2023, the Broadmeadows Aged Persons Mental Health Unit transferred to Northern Health.
On 3 July 2023, the Specialist Older Adults Consultation Service (SOACS) commenced at Broadmeadows Hospital and Bundoora Centre. This team provides specialist mental health services to older adult consumers and delivers the same services previously provided by APATT, ICT and BASICS.
Ms Belinda Scott, Executive Director Mental Health
As Executive Director Mental Health, Belinda Scott has been working hard to ensure the transition to Northern Health is as minimally disruptive as possible. There has been considerable planning to ensure a seamless integration of our services and our workforce. Special attention has been given to People and Culture processes, ICT services and governance.
Belinda has been working collaboratively with a number of key stakeholders to improve mental health services delivered at Northern Health, ensuring patients receive high quality, consistent mental health care and treatment.
Belinda brings key industry experience covering business and strategic planning and implementation, quality and risk management, engagement and partnership development, financial management, capability building, metropolitan and rural health care.
Belinda’s previous experience includes Chief Executive Officer at Djerriwarrh Health Service and at Northern Health as the General Manager, Broadmeadows Hospital.
Transitioning to Northern Health:
Northern Health has become a designated Mental Health Service. Governor-in-Council has endorsed the revised Mental Health Regulations and transfer orders to enact the first phase of disaggregation. In summary the approved regulations and Orders
- Established Northern Health as a designated mental health service from 1 July 2022.
- Established Western Health as a designated mental health service from 1 July 2023.
- Facilitated the transfer of mental health orders to Northern and Western Health where treatment is to be provided by an authorised psychiatrist appointed by these services.
- Facilitated the transfer of identified assets, rights, liabilities and staff from Melbourne Health to Northern Health on 1 July 2022.
For further information please refer to the following Victorian Government Gazettes; Gazette 305 Gazette 306 Gazette 308
- What are the key benefits to joining Northern Health?
Northern Health are extremely passionate and committed to their service, their people and their stakeholders. They provide a place based care, which means you are able to tailor your care to community services. They pride themselves on being innovative and love to have staff forums that promote staff engagement, input and welcomes ideas. They have taken up numerous staff ideas and have delivered an exceptional COVID program, which demonstrated what a power house they are.
Northern Health is a young service and therefore, you will be part of creating history.
- What are Northern Health’s Values?
Safe: We provide safe, trusted care for our patients. We are inclusive and culturally safe, celebrating the diversity of our staff and community.
Kind: We treat everyone with kindness, respect and empathy. We provide patient-centred and compassionate care.
Together: We work together with our staff, patients, consumers and health system partners.
We are hiring!
Northern Health, one of Victoria’s busiest healthcare providers, is currently seeking Registered Nurses, Allied Health, Corporate and Administration staff to join our ever-growing team. Click on the image below, to find out more.
