On 8 August 2023, Northern Health proudly launched Visiting Hours, a series of podcasts where listeners are invited beyond the frontline to learn about the inspiring lives, outstanding work and personal triumphs of our Northern Health family. These podcasts also serve as an opportunity to learn about the lives, work and dreams of our wonderful staff and be part of the touching narratives that remind us of the unwavering dedication and compassion of these amazing individuals that call Northern Health, home.

Join us and tune in as we stroll down memory lane, revisiting the highlights from Season 1.

Episode 01 – Senior Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Karen Bryant chatted about visits to Country, the importance of family and her divisive choice in pizza topping that’s outraged some of her friends.

Episode 02 – Associate Professor Joe Rotella, an emergency department physician and clinical toxicologist heading up Northern Health’s SPECTRE Unit, revealed his motivation to help people, his passion for sharing information and why teleportation would be his ‘go to‘ superpower.

Episode 03 –Professor Don Campbell, Northern Health’s Divisional Director of Hospital Without Walls spoke about health service innovation, research trials and how an ironing board, a football match and a players reaction has led to some amazing encounters in Alice Springs.

Episode 04 – Tracey Webster OAM, Director of Clinical Leadership, Effectiveness & Outcomes (CLEO) spoke about the success of Northern Health’s Digital Pathways program, service to the community and how Crocodile Dundee changed her life forever.

Episode 05 – Breast Care Nurse Consultant Cheryl Murray shared her insights on helping patients navigate life-changing diagnoses, her advice to new nurses just starting out, and reveals the playlist that pumps her up to take her opponents down.

Episode 06 – Medical Unit 5, Doctor Vinita Rane shared her experiences on the collaborative care for patients, the importance of selfcare for clinical staff, and how enabling people to share their stories is such a powerful tool for healing.

Episode 07 – Jason Amos, Northern Health’s Manager of Emergency Management spoke about his experiences as a firefighter, his family’s routine as they deal with a rare form of epilepsy, and how a sweet mobile phone plan prompted a relationship status update.

Episode 08 – Leanne Murphy, a Northern Health Consumer Representative shared her insights on self-advocacy, the lessons learnt on a pilgrimage through Spain and the meaning of life. We also released a bonus ‘Extended Hours’ episode, where Leanne spoke in-depth about her birthing trauma, her healing journey, and how the overall experience added so much depth to her triumphant story.

Episode 09 – Danielle Cook, Northern Health’s Neonatal Nurse Practitioner spoke about the importance of compassion in clinical excellence, her love of baking and how the toss of a coin led her on a path she never imagined.

Episode 10 – Adjunct Professor Anthony Gust, Northern Health’s Executive Director of Digital Health shared his insights on the virtual space, his fascination with historical adventure, and how three circles and some thought can lead you to your dream job.

Season Finale – in the final episode, we had the pleasure of hosting a special guest, Siva Sivarajah, Northern Health’s Chief Executive. Siva shared the plans for Northern Health’s expansion over the next few years, to better serve our community.  He also spoke about studying in London, his love of cricket, and how a magnifying glass might just help keep you from going hungry.

On 3 November, ‘Visiting Hours’ was listed on the Great Australian Pods by Chery Gladman.

Northern Health’s content producer and the driving force behind the podcast, Steve Carnell said, “I’m so thrilled that Visiting Hours seems to resonate with so many people, and the best is yet to come.”

As we reflect on the remarkable journey of Season 1, we take this moment to thank our listeners for each and every listen, like and share. It brings us immense joy to share stories that matter, inspiring conversations about health, wellbeing, and all the amazing work happening at Northern Health.

Stay tuned for an exciting lineup of brand new episodes, set to kick off in February 2024!