In response to changes within the organisation, Northern Health has completed a comprehensive review of its Code Brown procedures, forms, and action cards.

This overhaul is aimed at enhancing the health service’s readiness for major incidents and disasters, with a specific focus on improving the support provided by each department during emergencies.

The review process incorporated extensive feedback from various sources, including:

• Code brown simulations conducted by the Simulation and Safety Team

• Major Incident Medical Management and Support (MIMMS) training course

• Emergency Department Disaster Working Group

• Departmental changes and feedback

• Benchmarking with a number of major health services across Victoria.

With the review now complete, focus has shifted to the redevelopment of the Code Brown Department Action Cards. In addition, Northern Health has also redeveloped its preparedness arrangements as part of the Victorian Medical Assistance Team (VMAT).

This involved 26 Emergency Department, Urgent Care Centre and ICU medical and nursing staff undertaking VMAT/MIMMS training delivered by the Department of Health in September 2024.

Our VMAT Kits located in the ED have also been updated by our Pharmacy and ED nursing and equipment staff who undertook the review and procurement of equipment and new medication kits.

Jason Amos, Director of Emergency Management, said the updated procedures and preparedness arrangements ensured Northern Health was supported to prepare for major external disasters.

“Further enhancements will continue into the future, including expanding on the role of Northern Health Urgent Care Centres,” he said.

“We are also moving onto the review of individual Department Code Brown Action Cards which provide further support and direction on actions individual teams across Northern Health are required to undertake to support the organisational response. We will be seeking the support of departments to review their Action Cards over the next couple of months.”

“Throughout the year we will continue to work with departments including our Emergency Department and Urgent Care Centres on Code Brown education programs and simulations with support of our Education, Simulation and Safety and Emergency Management teams.

Katie Smith, Emergency Department Deputy Director and Disaster Lead, said disaster preparedness was a critical part of Emergency Medicine.

“The hard work of Jason and the whole team in updating our procedure ensures Northern Health can respond effectively if a major incident were to befall our community,” she said.

Featured image L-R: Emma Condelo, Pharmacy Technician, Angela Given, Deputy Director of Pharmacy – Clinical, Jason Amos, Director, Emergency Management, Katie Smith, ED Deputy Director, Kate Gazzo, ED ANUM – Equipment.