Eastern Health

“The biggest thing I would want to dispel is the idea that epilepsy is something that one should be embarrassed or ashamed of."

Fifteen years ago, A/Prof Patrick Carney started his career at Eastern Health as a visiting medical officer in the epilepsy outpatients clinic. He is now the Director of Neurosciences at Eastern Health.

In his current role, Patrick develops services within the department and supports doctors, nurses, and researchers. Other times, he sees both inpatients and outpatients.

“At the heart of it, I'm a clinician. I like seeing and helping patients. It's incredibly rewarding when you see positive changes through the care that you provide.

…I think we don't do it for the thank you every time, but I have to say it's always very nice to receive that and it's always touching.” He said.

Having epilepsy as his subspecialty, Patrick is passionate about breaking the stigma around epilepsy, promoting respect for all.

"There are lots of great people out there with epilepsy living fantastic and productive lives. And we have lots of things we can do to help those people.”

Acting Executive Director - Eastern Health Institute, Adjunct Associate Professor Paul Buntine has over 20 years’ experience as an emergency physician, and is putting all of that passion for healthcare into his executive role.

“Rather than being involved in in-lab research or big clinical trial research, I’ve been more involved in research that looks at improving ways that we deliver care the clinical space. I've also been involved in building up an emergency department research unit from scratch over the last few years to the point where it's now quite a vibrant little unit,” A/Prof Buntine said.

The Eastern Health Institute oversees research and educational activities across Eastern Health. A/Prof Buntine coordinates the Institute, coming up with strategies to further integrate research with operational activities and education.

Follow the link to read more: https://www.easternhealth.org.au/news-events/championing-research-to-help-solve-every-day-health-care-challenges/

Have you heard about any of these misconceptions?

Epilepsy is a common neurological disease. It is important to break the stigma around epilepsy and how it affects those who have it.

“It’s very important to have mentors at the start of your career. They can guide you along the different pathways that you might have never thought of.”

Edmore Chisango is a nurse unit manager at Eastern Health Peter James.

Throughout his career journey at Eastern Health, he has been in a range of different roles including subacute access coordinator and after-hours coordinator.

“Please take opportunities as they come. Put your hand up as much as possible, volunteer to do as many things as you can because that little additional knowledge can have a big impact in your life.”

Ed is a champion of continuous learning and improvement, as he encourages everyone to seek out opportunities to grow.

Tips for travelling these school holidays.

Staying safe and on top of your health is important, even when you're on holiday.

Take rests when you need it, pack the necessities, know the area and locate your nearest health service.

For more information and tips on travelling, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Spreading pawsitivity around the ward.

Meet Caesar, the therapy dog. You can find him most often at the Box Hill Oncology ward, bringing joy to both patients and staff.

Huge thank you to the volunteers and Delta Therapy Dogs for making this possible.

Community enhancing healthcare.

The recent Eastern Health annual Consumer Forum was hosted included representatives from the Eastern Health Executive and Board, alongside consumers and non-consumers alike.

“It was great to see so many volunteers, but also to see community members come and engage with Eastern Health, and hear about the fantastic work Eastern Health has been doing.” said Naveena Nekkalapudi, Community Advisory Committee Co-Chair and Consumer Representative at Eastern Health.

Read more about the forum, and how you can be involved in bringing change to your community: https://www.easternhealth.org.au/news-events/community-enhancing-healthcare/

Spectrum turns 25.

Specialising in personality disorder and complex trauma, Spectrum has led the way to be a centre of clinical excellence that provides leadership in treatment, consultation, support, training and research.

We congratulate Spectrum on this amazing milestone and look forward to the next 25 years.

Learn more about Spectrum and their important work here: https://bit.ly/45lFRL7

Eastern Health Angliss expansion passes important milestone.

Victorian Health Minister, The Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas MP alongside Eastern Health Board Chair Tass Mousaferiadis and CEO David Plunkett today announced the release of designs and builder, Kane Constructions, for the $112 million project.

“This vital hospital expansion is making sure Eastern Health can meet the healthcare needs of the community now and into the future.”

Designed by architectural firm Silver Thomas Hanely, the building will make the most of the surrounding natural environment, connecting with the outdoors to provide patients and visitors with an abundance of natural light and staff with an improved working environment.

Stage two of the Angliss Hospital expansion will increase and improve capability for more surgeries, as well as provide additional inpatient and outpatient capacity. It will greatly increase the hospital’s ability to deliver overnight and same-day surgical and outpatient care.

Stage two is scheduled for completion in late 2026.

This tax season, your compassion will help our Intensive Care Unit provide life-saving care to cardiac patients... courtesy of the world's smallest heart pump.

To learn more visit the Eastern Health Foundation: https://bit.ly/4aB9sBi

📞 call 03 9895 4608

This winter, it’s important to stay ahead of flu and COVID-19.

Make sure to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, wash and sanitise your hands. If you have symptoms, stay home, get tested and wear a face mask.

Taking good measures to prevent catching and spreading it will help keep our community safe.

This National Reconciliation Week we recognised and celebrated our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Champions.

RAP Champions are Eastern Health staff members, consumer representatives or Community members who are committed to promoting and advancing the Eastern Health Reconciliation Action Plan outside of their normal role within or with the organisation.

Identified by our Reconciliation Action Plan Manager and Aboriginal Health Team Manager, our RAP Champions were chosen for constantly advocating, being inclusive, collaborating, leading by example, empowering their colleagues, and being culturally aware and engaged.

Read about our RAP Champions at the link: https://www.easternhealth.org.au/news-events/celebrating-our-rap-champions/

Now More Than Ever

This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme reminds us that, despite the challenges faced on the journey to reconciliation, we must continue to work towards better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

While the outcome of the referendum was divisive, instead of disengaging, we now need to continue working with Community and allies to foster more cultural understanding. This will lead to more culturally safe and welcoming environments, so all First Nations people who access our services feel safe, respected and understood.

Earlier this year we held our inaugural First Nations Health Forum, which presented an opportunity to increase our understanding of how we can continue to improve our services for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community.

We are learning and are on a continuous journey. We value our First Nations staff, Elders and Community members who hold us accountable and help us develop our services to better serve Community.

26 May is National Sorry Day, the day we remember and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.

Now known as ‘The Stolen Generations’, these survivors were denied access to their culture and language. As this practice was still taking place in the 1970s there are many survivors still around today, and the effects of these acts are still felt in communities across the country.

Even today, Stolen Generation survivors may struggle in healthcare settings, which can trigger their adverse experiences and memories from institutions.

Sorry Day is a time for us to recognise the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the power of saying ‘sorry.’

For our part, Eastern Health continues to be committed to creating culturally safe environments in all of our clinical spaces for First Nations patients and their families.

We continue to listen to Elders and Community members in our catchment and appreciate their guidance on this journey.

Aboriginal artwork was painted for Eastern Health by local Woiwurrung & Yorta Yorta Artist Simone Thomson
Simone Thomson Art

The official launch of nangnak warr bagora; a new comprehensive cancer clinic at Eastern Health Healesville.

Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Health Infrastructure, Tim Richardson launched the clinic earlier today.

“This new First Nations Cancer Clinic in Healesville will help us deliver equitable access to cancer treatment, therapies and clinical trials in a culturally sensitive setting,” Mr Richardson said.

Chenile Chandler performed a Call to Country followed by a smoking ceremony conducted by Craig Murphy-Wandin. Members of the local community were on-hand for the official opening.

Eastern Health Director Cancer Services, Adjunct Clinical Professor Phillip Parente led the project.

“In the last few years, cancer has overtaken cardiovascular diseases to become the leading cause of death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.” Prof Parente said.

Follow the link to read more: https://www.easternhealth.org.au/news-events/eastern-health-launches-new-aboriginal-cancer-clinic-addressing-health-gap/

The Eastern Health Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards recognises the impact nurses and midwives have on the community we serve.

Eight recipients who embody Eastern Health values and work towards our promise to be Healthier Together were recognised across seven award categories. Thank you to Eastland and BankVic for generously supporting the event.

Read more about our incredible award recipients here: https://www.easternhealth.org.au/news-events/nursing-and-midwifery-excellence-awards-2024/

Eastern Health along with Expression Australia, last week introduced AUSLAN Communications Cards
The cards help bridge the gap for those who are deaf and hard of hearing, during they're visits, helping staff communicate effectively until a interpreter arrives.
Improving communication for deaf and hard of hearing people in a mental health crisis
For more information on the cards please follow the link.
https://www.easternhealth.org.au/news-events/improving-mental-health-access-for-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-consumers/