December 2020
Northern Health ED flow co-ordinator Hannah Dozzi, registered nurse Jesal Patel, nurse practitioner Dolly John and RN Pat Ciccone.
Occupational therapist Gee Kasmawan, orthotist Elaina Vatcky, director of allied health Jim Sayer, senior outpatient physiotherapist Jimmy Goulis, social worker Bond Romeo-Mutch and speech pathologist Hien Pham.
Health service praises professions
Northern Health has celebrated Emergency Nurses Day – in a year that nurses would never have imagined what they would face.
The health service’s emergency nurses played a vital role in its response to COVID-19, having to quickly adapt to the rapidly changing situation, undertake additional training and learn how to work differently.
ED nurse unit manager Janice Fernandes said for her, nursing was not just a profession but a way of life.
‘While working in ED is a physically and emotionally demanding job, it is equally rewarding.
‘As a critical trained ED nurse for over 23 years, I would never change my career pathway for anything.
‘The ED nursing team at Northern Health has been adaptable, demonstrating strong commitment by responding with enormous flexibility.
‘ED nurses have had to swap celebrations, conferences and seminars for masks and gowns,’ Ms Fernandes said.
Northern Health also marked International Allied Health Professionals Day, which recognises a contribution to patient care and population health.
‘Our 400 staff in allied health are all passionate about improving the quality of our patients’ lives,’ said director of allied health Jim Sayer.
Mr Sayer chose the profession of physiotherapy after touring as a young athlete with a team physiotherapist, exposing him to this career path.
