Northern Health

05/02/2026

Northern Health is thrilled to announce that Bessie Taitoko, Psychiatric Services Officer/Health and Safety Representative – BIPU, and Owen Glassenbury, MHICAR Senior Clinician/Clinical Nurse Consultant/Health and Safety Representative – BIPU, are finalists for the 2025 WorkSafe Health and Safety Representative (HSR) of the Year Award 👏

Bessie and Owen have gone above and beyond to make Northern Health safer and kinder for staff and patients. Their leadership perfectly embodies our values of Safe, Kind, Together, showing how HSRs can make a real difference every day.

We wish them all the best for the Awards night on 26 February 2026.

Read full story here: https://bit.ly/4ra8zIM

03/02/2026

🌏 Today is World Cancer Day.

The theme, 'United by Unique', reminds us that behind every cancer diagnosis, is a person, a family, and a story, each one different, each one deserving of care that is compassionate, respectful and individual.

At Northern Health, people are at the heart of everything we do. From prevention and early detection to treatment, recovery and wellbeing, our teams are committed to supporting our community with care that recognises each person’s unique needs, experiences and strengths. This is particularly important in our culturally diverse community, where no two care journeys are the same.

Today and everyday, we stand with our patients, families, carers and colleagues - united in care, understanding and hope.🧡

03/02/2026

Dearest gentle reader,

It appears Benedict Bridgerton has once again sought the river’s embrace - an image most stirring, yet not without peril.

Pray, let all children be watched with the utmost vigilance, and never left unattended, for even the gentlest waters can surprise. One ought never swim alone, and must always know one’s own limits, selecting only those parts of the river where lifeguards preside and cautionary signs are observed.

Should one venture upon a boat or indulge in water sports, a life jacket is both prudent and fashionable, and mastery of basic CPR is the mark of true preparedness. In all matters aquatic, let prudence accompany pleasure, that every tale may end with hearts, and bodies, safe and sound.

03/02/2026

Northern Doctors Education welcomed the 2026 HMO and Registrar cohort through a comprehensive, hybrid orientation focused on safe clinical practice, professional development and connection across sites.

The program covered key clinical priorities, workforce information and operational tools, alongside a strong focus on junior doctor wellbeing and patient safety. The day concluded with hospital tours and practical sessions, helping set a strong foundation for the year ahead.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Susanty Tay said supporting junior doctors from day one is a key priority. “Our focus is ensuring junior doctors feel supported, safe and well connected, with clear pathways for escalation, wellbeing support and high-quality patient care,” she says.

Read the full story here 🔗 - https://shorturl.at/mwjt9

02/02/2026

Please join us on Sunday, 22 February in the Rose Garden at Kilmore District Hospital to enjoy a family-fun day, while supporting your community, with the return of our popular Teddy Bear Hospital. 💙

Calling all teddy bears, dolls and their carers! The Teddy Bear Hospital is back at the Kilmore Garden Party. Children can bring along a favourite toy for a fun and friendly check-up.

The Kilmore Garden Party is a wonderful community event supporting Kilmore District Hospital 💙

Please join us on Sunday, 22 February in the Rose Garden at Kilmore District Hospital to enjoy a family-fun day, while supporting your community, with the return of our popular Teddy Bear Hospital.

Northern Health

01/02/2026

Yesterday, representatives from across Northern Health proudly took to the streets of St Kilda for this weekend’s Midsumma Pride March 2026, standing alongside our staff, consumers and community in celebration of inclusion, visibility and belonging.💛🧡❤️🩷🩵💚

“This weekend’s Pride March was a powerful reminder of why it matters to create an environment where people feel safe to be their authentic selves. I was there along with many of our staff, consumers and community members, marching, supporting loved ones, and celebrating the diversity which is very much at the heart of who we are at Northern Health,” said Debra Bourne, Chief Executive, Northern Health.

30/01/2026

🎉We’re thrilled to welcome our new Graduate Mental Health Nurses as they begin their orientation and step into professional practice.

The work they do will make a meaningful difference to consumers, families, and communities, and Northern Health looks forward to walking alongside them throughout their journey.

Welcome to the team! It’s great to have you with us.💙

30/01/2026

Meet Kim Gray, Senior Physiotherapist, Craigieburn Community Hospital.

Q: First, let’s start with your coffee order?
A: I keep a single-cup plunger in my drawer — strong blend, milk, no sugar.

Q: Tell us about your journey at Northern Health.
A: I joined Northern Health a little over 18 months ago after spending two decades at another organisation. I initially started as a Grade 2 Physiotherapist in Cardiorespiratory Outpatients, and in June this year transitioned into the Senior Physiotherapist role in Cardiorespiratory at Craigieburn.

As a chronic disease physiotherapist, I assess clients with heart and lung conditions, identify their needs and goals, and guide them through weekly group exercise classes to help them achieve, and often exceed, those goals.

Q: If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be instead?
A: My team would probably agree with this — I’d run my own cake-making business. I love to bake!

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

29/01/2026

📣 International Mental Health Nurses Day | Free Symposium

Northern Health is proud to partner with RMIT University and the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) to host an inspiring International Mental Health Nurses Day Symposium, celebrating the people, leadership and innovation shaping mental health nursing in Australia.
This is a unique opportunity to connect, learn and celebrate the achievements of mental health nurses across Australia.

📅 Friday 20 February 2026
🕘 9:45am – 5:00pm (AEDT)
📍 RMIT City Campus, Building 80, Level 4 435–457 Swanston Street, Melbourne
🎟 Free event – registrations essential 🔗

Register here: https://bit.ly/3YIL1yr

29/01/2026

The Northern Health Library recently conducted a staff and student survey to better understand how library services are used, what is working well, and where improvements can be made.

The survey received an overwhelming response, highlighting strong interest in and engagement with library services across Northern Health. Importantly, the feedback will directly inform future planning, helping shape services, spaces, and resources that better support clinical care, education, research, and staff wellbeing.

“Listening to the feedback from our staff and students gives us a strong foundation to shape library services that genuinely support their work and, in turn, patient care across Northern Health,” said Tania Barry, Director, Library and Information Literacy Services.

👉 Read more here: https://shorturl.at/VUOow

The Northern Health Library recently conducted a staff and student survey to better understand how library services are used, what

28/01/2026

Northern Health has been recognised as an Employer of Choice in the prestigious Australian Business Awards 2025, affirming its commitment to creating a workplace that maximises the potential of its people through effective policies and practices in recruitment, engagement, and retention 👏🏆

Guided by the values of Safe, Kind, Together, Northern Health has cultivated a workplace culture that prioritises psychological safety, continuous learning, and genuine respect for diversity.

Northern Health invests heavily in education and development, offering tailored programs for graduates, emerging leaders, and experienced professionals. Partnerships with universities and research institutions foster innovation and evidence-based practice, while digital platforms ensure learning remains accessible and future-ready.

“This award validates our commitment to creating a workplace where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to deliver exceptional care to our community. Thank you to each and every member of our team – this achievement belongs to all of us,” said Debra Bourne, Chief Executive.

Read full story at: https://bit.ly/4bnolet

28/01/2026

We hear 2026 is the new 2016. Let’s go as we take a look back at Northern Health from a decade ago 📸

#2016