Visiting Hours

Holistic Healthcare: A Refugee's Perspective  In this episode we visit with Dr. David Tran, Northern Health's Divisional Director of Women and Children's Services.  David brings a unique perspective to his leadership style as he reflects on his refugee background. He shares some insights into why there's a need for a holistic approach within Northern Health's Paediatric Refugee Clinic; reflects on...

In this episode we visit with Northern Health's Board Chair, Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly. We explore what it means to be, not just a good leader, but a great one. Alan shares his thoughts on why Northern Health's values Safe, Kind, Together, are so vital and why embracing them from the top-level down, is the key to a good reputation in our community. Alan commends the staff for the wonderful work...

In this episode we visit with Seda Kiroglu, Unit Manager of Maternity Services here at Northern Health. Seda shares her story of growth in the organisation and her thoughts on leadership.  She highlights the vital role the Medical Obstetrics At Home (MOAH) program plays in delivering patient focused care when mums-to-be need it most. We talk about Seda's passion for healthcare at an early age and...

In this episode we visit with Ella Critchley, Program Manager, Advance Care Planning at Northern Health and Chair, Victorian Advance Care Planning, Community of Practice. We focus on the importance of putting an advance care plan in place and the benefits that it yields. Ella shares some real-world examples of the freedom and relief felt by patients during the process. As we explore Ella's journey...

In this episode we visit with Dr Miranda Siemienowicz, CT Lead, Northern Imaging Victoria and Chair of the Australia and New Zealand Society of Thoracic Radiology. We chat about the recent commencement of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program and the positive outcomes already being seen for participants. Miranda outlines the steps she's taken to regain a balance in her life following the prog...

In this episode we visit with Andrew Morrison, Northern Health's Aboriginal Cultural Safety and Employment Advisor. Andrew shares on the importance of fostering a culturally safe environment within a health setting. He reveals what prompted his journey into healthcare, and why he remains so passionate in his role today. Take a seat in the yarning circle, lean in and lend an ear to this episode of...

In this episode we visit with Dr Isra'a Al Jumaily, a Hospital Medical Officer here at Northern Health.  Dr. Isra'a shares her experience of needing to flee her country with her family as refugees., leaving behind her home and her career. She relates what it's been like to start from scratch in Australia while she completes her registration, the importance of holding onto the best of one's culture...

In this episode we visit with Dr Lucy Forrest, Music Therapist, who works with oncology/palliative care patients and their families at Northern Health. We discuss how vital it is to have a supportive team around you, the joys of cooking, and how music and art have the power to change the way people perceive and interact with clinical spaces. Lucy tells the story behind one of her original pieces o...

In this episode we visit with Emergency Department Nurse Practitioner, Letty Bastian. We discuss an exciting study underway in ED using acupuncture for pain management and its potential benefits in that setting. Letty shares the insights she gained while studying for her Masters of Acupuncture and how it has helped shape her interactions with patients. We explore the highs and lows of living in Fa...

Being spoken to in one's own language is often a safe habour; the walls come down, the wrinkles in a furrowed brow relax and for patients, it's one less thing to worry about. In this episode we visit with Yue Hu, Northern Health's Director of Transcultural and Language Services and the Aboriginal Support Unit. Both these teams nurture a culturally safe environment where people can truly be themsel...

In this episode we visit with Northern Health Foundation Board Chair, Peter McWilliam.  A long-time supporter of Northern Health, Peter recalls some of the highlights of the last year and points to a bright future for the organisation. He praises the work of the foundation, noting some of the lifesaving work being done here as a direct result of the foundation and its supporters. Peter shares on t...

In this episode we visit with Jen Gilham, Divisional Director of Community Hospitals at Northern Health. From her early days as a rural and remote nurse, a seed was planted that has seen her career blossom into senior leadership. A prime example of not being able to take the 'country out of the girl', she maintains a strong connection with the community she serves.  Jen shares her love of travel,...

In this episode we visit with obstetrician and researcher, Professor Lisa Hui A respected global leader in her field of prenatal diagnosis, Lisa talks about the work being done by the Reproductive Health Biobank and the benefits the research is allowing. She shares her passion for photographing our feathered fauna, bringing family together in the kitchen, and boosting biodiversity in the backyard....

Today we pay a visit to Northern Health's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Prahlad Ho. An enthusiastic advocate for research, Prahlad talks about the support he received throughout his journey at Northern Health, starting as an intern. He shares fondly about his family, the importance of making everyday moments an opportunity to connect, and how an encounter in the cardiac ward changed his life fo...

In this episode we visit with Associate Professor Vinay Lakra, Northern Health's Divisional Director of Mental Health Services. A long-time crusader for social equity, Vinay shares on the importance of having a specialised focus on psychiatric illnesses in the same way we do for other medical conditions, and advocates for legislative change beyond awareness.   He presents a strong argument as to w...

Today we head to Northern Health's Emergency Department and visit with Nurse Practitioner, Tyson McLeod. A northern man through and through, Tyson reveals his goal of becoming a very specific kind of nurse after having seen the wonderful treatment his Grandmother received in the ED.  He shares on his passion for toxicology, the importance of getting away from screens, and where your mind can go on...

In this episode we pay a visit to Graham Wilson, Northern Health’s Director of OHS and Wellbeing. A passionate advocate for making the workplace not just safe, but positive and engaging, Graham shares his thoughts on authenticity being the key to unlocking meaningful conversations. Graham offers insights into his love of cooking where simple ingredients are allowed to shine, his Techno-centric sea...

In this episode we visit with Associate Professor Jaclyn Yoong, Oncologist and Palliative Care Physician at Northern Health. Jaclyn shares on how making connections with people has become a crucial part of bringing joy to her life. A self confessed 'Jaclyn of all trades', she's an accomplished pianist,  a ballroom dancer and a passionate participant in motorsport. Find the perfect line through the...

In this episode we visit with Dr. Katharine See, Chief Health Outcomes Officer and Director of Respiratory Medicine at Northern Health. Katharine talks about the importance of building resilience, practicing mindfulness and the sacrifices needed to make tough choices as a leader. She shares her relaxation routine, favourite cinema hack and why working at Northern Health is like fixing healthcare w...

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, an...

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 al...

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 loc...

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 o...

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...

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 bu...