In mid-December, we hosted the 2019-20 Northern Health Annual Meeting and Open Access Board Meeting.

The Northern Health Board and Executive were virtually joined by members of our community, including consumers, primary care partners, volunteers and staff, to hear about Northern Health’s highlights and achievements over the past 12 months.

“2020 has been an unusual and challenging year for Northern Health – and indeed for our entire community,” said Jennifer Williams AM, Board Chair.

“The past 12 months have been filled with successes and challenges, from bushfires to a global pandemic. I am proud of the way that Northern Health has responded to each and every one of these challenges with courage, resilience and an unwavering commitment to the health and safety of their patients, colleagues and community.”

Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive, reflected on some of the operational achievements over the past 12 months.

“Our Northern Hospital Emergency Department continues to treat more patients than any other emergency department in Victoria, including seeing the third highest number of presentations in Australia. In the past 12 months, we have received more than 105,000 attendances, including over 21,000 paediatrics and over 34,000 patient arrivals from Ambulance Victoria,” said Siva.

“With the use of telehealth, we have been able to provide our community with the services they need remotely, and provide them with access to their care team via phone or video conference, ensuring their health care needs and concerns are met, while reducing the added risk of multiple hospital presentations.”

He also echoed Jennifer’s words, acknowledging our staff for the extraordinary role they have played in the fight against COVID-19 in 2020.

“I want to thank each and every one of you for your enormous effort and commitment over the past nine months. I am proud of what we, as an organisation, have achieved to keep our community safe and healthy.”

“As we move into 2021 with renewed focus and determination, on behalf of the Northern Health Board and Executive, I take this opportunity to thank all of our staff, partners and of course, our volunteers, for their hard work and commitment,” Jennifer said.

Please view Northern Health’s 2019-20 Annual Report here.

You can view 2019-20 Northern Health In Review video below: