Northern Health

Northern Health Northern Health is the key provider of public health care in Melbourne’s northern region, one of the

Northern Health is the key provider of public health care in Melbourne’s northern region, one of the fastest growing communities in Australia. Our acute and sub-acute health services cover a local community of approximately 590,000 people, and we offer a range of inpatient and outpatient services to people at all stages of life across our five campuses;
- Northern Hospital Epping
- Broadmeadows Hospital
- Bundoora Centre
- Craigieburn Centre

Northern Health treats patients from many different socio-economic backgrounds who are born in more than 130 different countries and speak 118 different languages. The northern community is located in one of Melbourne’s most significant growth corridors and our local population is expected to grow by 59 per cent by 2031. Our catchment includes the rapidly expanding local government areas of Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Nillumbik, Whittlesea and Moreland. Northern Health is working hard to fulfil our vision to provide outstanding health care for our community and will continue to develop services and the pathways to services that our community needs to ensure that our patients have access to the right care, at the right time, by highly skilled health professionals.

On Friday 20 March, Mernda Community Hospital unveiled a beautiful new artwork by local Yorta Yorta artist Kahli Luttrel...
30/03/2026

On Friday 20 March, Mernda Community Hospital unveiled a beautiful new artwork by local Yorta Yorta artist Kahli Luttrell, marked by a smoking ceremony conducted by Thane Garvey, with leaves and herbs gifted by Aboriginal community representative Luke Edwards.

The artwork reflects Country, waterways and shared stories, offering a warm and welcoming presence for patients, families and staff. It honours both individual and collective journeys towards health and healing, grounded in respect for land, culture and community.

Commissioned by Lendlease and gifted to Northern Health, the artwork continues Kahli’s longstanding connection with the organisation and reinforces our commitment to recognising and celebrating Aboriginal culture across our sites.

Mernda Community Hospital is more than a place of care — it is a place of belonging, where everyone is welcome.

Read more here: https://ow.ly/5Jj550YAsPw

From career journeys and personal connections to the small things that make a big difference, the Why Northern? series o...
26/03/2026

From career journeys and personal connections to the small things that make a big difference, the Why Northern? series of interview-based articles celebrates pride, belonging and the culture we’re building together at Northern Health, following our recent recognition as an Employer of Choice.

𝐈𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰, 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐡𝐥𝐚𝐝 𝐇𝐨, 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝟏𝟖 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬.

𝐐: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡?
A: My connection to Northern Health stretches back two decades. I first rotated here in 2006 as an intern, and even then I was struck by the spirit of the place - the teamwork, the diversity, and the sense that people were genuinely invested in their patients and in each other.

I formally began my consultant journey at Northern Health in 2013 when I joined as a Thrombosis Fellow. I arrived with the intention of starting a research PhD, and while other institutions were hesitant or less supportive of that path, Northern Health did the opposite. It embraced the challenge, backed the vision, and provided the environment and encouragement to establish a research program that has since grown into the Northern Thrombosis Research Group (NECTAR) and a broader suite of global coagulation assay expertise.

That early support shaped everything that followed. It’s a big reason I’ve never left.

𝐐: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡?
A: My journey has certainly not been a straight line, and I would never have imagined I’d be doing what I am today. My career has evolved alongside the organisation itself. New challenges would arise, clinical, operational, research-focused—and each opened a door to step into larger roles and build new capabilities.

Looking back, Northern Health has a way of stretching you in the best possible way and encouraging you to grow into opportunities you didn’t even realise you were preparing for.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4bBkAlw

Dr Dominic Chow, electrophysiologist at Northern Health, has been honoured with the JACC 2025 William W. Parmley Young A...
26/03/2026

Dr Dominic Chow, electrophysiologist at Northern Health, has been honoured with the JACC 2025 William W. Parmley Young Author Achievement Award, recognising research of exceptional scientific rigor, originality, and clinical relevance. JACC is the medical journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Harlan M. Krumholz, Editor-in-Chief of JACC, congratulated Dr Chow on the accolade, noting, “We commend Dr. Chow for this achievement and are grateful for the strong research and mentorship environment at your institution that supports high-caliber scholarship and advances cardiovascular science.”

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4lTVlOI

Northern Health has introduced a new Anorectal Physiology Laboratory to support patients experiencing pelvic floor dysfu...
25/03/2026

Northern Health has introduced a new Anorectal Physiology Laboratory to support patients experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction and faecal incontinence, with the service officially commencing in September 2025.

The service provides specialised diagnostic testing to assess anorectal function and guide treatment for patients with pelvic floor disorders. It predominantly supports female patients, particularly those who have experienced complicated childbirth resulting in sphincter injury.

In Victoria, obstetric a**l sphincter injuries occur in approximately two per cent of deliveries, and early assessment can play an important role in managing symptoms and informing decisions about future pregnancies and modes of delivery.

The laboratory is currently staffed by Colorectal Surgeons Mr Eric Daniel and Mr Ankur Sidhu, with Dr Atandrila Das also joining the team. Nursing and logistical support for patients attending the service is provided by Ms Emily Wallace and Ms Melissa Gwynne. The Anorectal Physiology Laboratory operates within a multidisciplinary model of care.

“Establishing the laboratory has been the result of a long collaborative effort across several teams. Initial funding applications began in 2018, and after years of planning and advocacy, funding was successfully secured in 2025. A significant contribution to this effort came from Mr Neil Strugnell, Head of Colorectal Surgery, who played a key role in securing the funding needed to establish the service,” said Mr Eric Daniel, Colorectal Surgeon at Northern Health.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/3ND6Ld4

Northern Health Foundation

Northern Health Emergency Department is experiencing an extremely high volume of patients‼️🏥🚑If your medical condition i...
24/03/2026

Northern Health Emergency Department is experiencing an extremely high volume of patients‼️🏥🚑

If your medical condition is not life-threatening, please consider using our alternative services such as the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) or the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, situated within the Epping Plaza Medical and Dental Centre.

Please keep our ED for emergencies only⚠️

For the latest updates on our ED status, visit https://bit.ly/4oCOCKa

For more information, visit https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

Northern Health has launched a ground-breaking research study implementing AISAP, an AI-assisted Point-of-Care Ultrasoun...
24/03/2026

Northern Health has launched a ground-breaking research study implementing AISAP, an AI-assisted Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) platform designed to transform the way cardiac conditions are diagnosed and managed across our health service.

The study commenced following two successful bootcamp training sessions held in February, where General Medicine and Respiratory clinicians undertook intensive, hands-on training in AI-assisted cardiac POCUS.

The sessions combined focused teaching with supervised bedside scanning and real-time AI-assisted interpretation, equipping clinicians with the skills and confidence to begin using the platform in practice.

Dr Vinita Rane, Head of Medicine Unit 5, reflected on the significance of the training and the opportunity it represents, “It’s exciting to be part of a trial that brings cardiac ultrasound closer to the bedside. For me, it’s an extension of the stethoscope, providing another tool that complements clinical assessment and specialist input. Building our staff’s skills in point-of-care ultrasound means we can get important information quickly and easily for our patients, and it’s likely to play a growing role in care in the future.”

AISAP is a secure, cloud-based platform that uses advanced artificial intelligence to support clinicians in acquiring and interpreting cardiac ultrasound images at the bedside. By providing real-time guidance and automated measurements, it strengthens diagnostic confidence and supports rapid, more informed clinical decision-making.

This is transformation in action at Northern Health! 🙌

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4t8uIrS

Northern Health proudly recognised the National Advance Care Planning Week, embracing this year’s theme: “Your story, yo...
20/03/2026

Northern Health proudly recognised the National Advance Care Planning Week, embracing this year’s theme: “Your story, your choice.”

Across our services, staff came together to promote meaningful conversations that ensure our consumers’ values, preferences, and future medical instructions are understood and respected. From well-attended education sessions to resource displays and everyday clinical discussions, our teams demonstrated that ACP is everyone’s responsibility.

This week reflected our Northern Health values in action - working together, showing kindness in conversations that matter, and creating safe spaces for patients and families to share what’s important to them.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making a success. Your efforts continue to strengthen person-centred care and ensure every voice is heard.
Let’s keep the momentum going and embed ACP into everyday practice.

Cultural Diversity Week (21 – 29 March) is fast approaching, with Harmony Day celebrated each year on 21 March, aligning...
20/03/2026

Cultural Diversity Week (21 – 29 March) is fast approaching, with Harmony Day celebrated each year on 21 March, aligning with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It’s a time to reflect on the message that everyone belongs, celebrating inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for all Australians. 🧡

At Northern Health, this message is especially meaningful. Our workforce reflects the richness of our community, with more than 50 per cent of staff born overseas and over 150 languages spoken across our organisation. This diversity is also reflected in the patients we care for, reinforcing the importance of culturally responsive and inclusive healthcare.

“It is about the beauty of sharing, the courage to listen, and the respect we build by truly knowing one another,” said Yue Hu, Director of TALS and Narrun Wilip-giin Aboriginal Support Unit.

This year’s Cultural Diversity Week program has been shaped through a strong collaborative effort, bringing together teams from across the organisation, along with valuable contributions from consumers Dalal Sleiman and Evan Bichara to ensure a meaningful and inclusive approach.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4slXPHY

Today, we embrace the joyous spirit of Eid with our Muslim staff and community at Northern Health. 💞 Ramadan and Eid are...
19/03/2026

Today, we embrace the joyous spirit of Eid with our Muslim staff and community at Northern Health. 💞

Ramadan and Eid are deeply significant Islamic religious observances and hold great cultural and spiritual importance for Muslims around the world. Ramadan is a sacred month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, reflection, prayer, and generosity. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of this holy month and is a joyful occasion celebrated with prayers, feasting, and time spent with family, friends, and the wider community. ✨🕌🎉

“Today is a truly blessed day. Congratulations to all those celebrating on reaching this beautiful milestone. May God accept all your prayers, your charity, and all your good deeds,” said Lina Ayoubi, Hospital Chaplain Coordinator, Islamic Council Victoria.

From all of us at Northern Health, may this special day bring happiness, peace, and togetherness to you and your loved ones. Eid Mubarak! 🌙

A major national falls prevention clinical trial, led by world-renowned Hospital Falls researcher Professor Anne-Marie H...
19/03/2026

A major national falls prevention clinical trial, led by world-renowned Hospital Falls researcher Professor Anne-Marie Hill from The University of Western Australia, continues to gain momentum at Northern Health.

On Monday 16 March, the evidence-based falls prevention program was officially launched in Ward 4, marking the implementation of the program on the second of four wards participating in the study.

The project, funded through a $1.4 million grant from the Medical Research Future Fund, aims to reduce hospital falls and fall-related injuries in older adults by implementing and evaluating an evidence-based patient education program.

Professor Hill is collaborating with local investigators from Northern Health and La Trobe University, including Dr Adam Semciw, Professor of Allied Health and Dr Hazel Heng, together with Prof Don Campbell, Divisional Director, Design and Discovery and Uyen Phan, Associate Director of Allied Health.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4sT2hhc

Close the Gap Day is a time to reflect on what truly makes a difference in healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait I...
18/03/2026

Close the Gap Day is a time to reflect on what truly makes a difference in healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and at Northern Health, that difference is our people. 🖤💛❤️

"Our Aboriginal Liaison Officers (ALOs) are at the heart of culturally safe care. They do far more than provide support, they advocate, build trust, and walk alongside patients and families through often complex systems. They ensure care is not only clinically appropriate, but culturally respectful, grounded in connection to family, community, and Country," said Yue Hu, Director, Narrun Wilip-Giin Aboriginal Support Unit, Northern Health.

This work is critical. It strengthens access, improves experiences, and contributes to better health outcomes for our mob. It also holds the system accountable, reminding us that cultural safety is not an add-on, but a core part of quality care.

Today, we recognise and thank our ALOs for the strength, compassion, and leadership they bring every day. Their work continues to shape a health service where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients feel seen, heard, and respected.

This week marks Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16–22 March), with a focus on moving from awareness to action and creat...
18/03/2026

This week marks Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16–22 March), with a focus on moving from awareness to action and creating meaningful organisational change.

Neurodiversity is not something to fix. It is something to understand, support, and value. At Northern Health, recognising and embracing different ways of thinking strengthens our teams and improves the care we provide to our community.

Deepmala Awasthi, Disability Liaison Officer (DLO), shared that creating accessible workplaces for neurodivergent staff also leads to safer, kinde,r and more inclusive care for patients.

“Different minds strengthen teams, and when everyone can work in the way they work best, everyone benefits.”

Andy Allen, Social Work – Allied Health Clinical Educator, shared their experience as a neurodivergent staff member. “Northern Health has a well-established culture of being inclusive from diverse perspectives. This extends to neurodivergent staff, creating an environment where differences are not only accepted but respected,” Andy said.

Read full story here: https://shorturl.at/msNN7

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Our Story

Northern Health is the key provider of public health care in Melbourne’s northern region, one of the fastest growing communities in Australia. Our acute and sub-acute health services cover a local community of approximately 590,000 people, and we offer a range of inpatient and outpatient services to people at all stages of life across our four campuses: Northern Hospital Epping Broadmeadows Hospital Bundoora Centre Craigieburn Centre Northern Health treats patients from many different socio-economic backgrounds who are born in more than 130 different countries and speak 118 different languages.

The northern community is located in one of Melbourne’s most significant growth corridors and our local population is expected to grow by 59 percent by 2031. Our catchment includes the rapidly expanding local government areas of Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Nillumbik, Whittlesea and Moreland. Northern Health is working hard to fulfil our vision to provide outstanding health care for our community, and will continue to develop services and pathways to services that our community needs to ensure our patients have access to the right care, at the right time, by highly skilled health professionals.