Northern Health has proudly been named Employer of Choice – a recognition that reflects more than policies or programs. It speaks to our people, our culture, and the everyday moments that make Northern Health a place where staff feel valued, supported, and connected to purpose.

The Why Northern? series of interview-based articles celebrates pride, belonging, and the culture we’re building together at Northern Health, following our recent recognition as an Employer of Choice.

In this interview, we speak with Kushani Dissanayake, Engineering & Building Services – Acting Director and Capital Project Manager.

Q. Why did you choose to work at Northern Health?

I have been in healthcare, in MedTech, for a few years before I joined Northern Health. In 2018, my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away within five weeks of diagnosis. As my family went through that very difficult experience, we were so well supported by the medical team and the staff of the hospital where he was being treated in New Zealand.

When I returned back to Australia, I made a very deliberate decision to move over to the hospital side and give back to a system that helped us so much. And to do what I can to help families like mine, that are going through some of the most difficult times of their lives.

Q. First impressions matter. What has stood out to you most about Northern Health so far?

I recall walking into the main reception seven years ago for my very first interview and immediately thinking how friendly and helpful Northern Health staff were. That remains true to date for me. I just love coming to work every day and being amongst friends. And I try to make sure anyone I interact with has the same feeling, regardless of the circumstances that brought them here.

Q. What does being named an Employer of Choice mean to you personally?

Reflecting on the last seven years at Northern Health, we as an organisation, we have gone through a lot of changes. From rapid organic growth, to change in leadership, addition of new builds and amalgamations, and navigating a pandemic – we have gone through a lot together, and we have evolved together. Regardless of the challenges we go through being in healthcare in a public setting, I think people really do love working here at Northern Health, and that’s reflected in the way we treat each other and take care of our patients and the community every day.

It doesn’t surprise me at all that we have been named an Employer of Choice. I am a big advocate for working at Northern Health. I often tell my friends outside of the organisation about what it feels like to be a part of Northern Health and about the many benefits we receive, and I encourage them to apply for positions. I think being named an Employer of Choice is a great recognition and does align quite well with my daily experience here at Northern Health.

Q. How would you describe the culture at Northern Health in three words?

Safe-Kind-Together. We really do live by our values.
AND
Get-it-done. This is the culture of the organisation in my experience. No matter the challenges, we work together to get things done.

Q. Can you share a moment that made you feel proud to work at Northern Health?

When I walk through the facility and look around, I see so many things I have either directly or indirectly been a part of creating. From the IPU tower wards and theatres, to multideck car park, PET, Pathology, MRI, Angiosuite, and now compounding pharmacy. Knowing all the effort, time, and the work we put in collectively to plan, design, and deliver these facilities to our colleagues and the community, I feel so humbly proud when I see how it all contributes to making people’s experiences a little bit better.

In my current role, I get to create opportunities for my team and help develop their careers, at the same time as we work together to improve our facilities for staff and patients. We have had Engineering team members move from roles they’ve been in for 5-10 years, into management roles in the last 12 months. There is so much talent, skills, and capabilities within our teams – I feel grateful to be able to help build careers of some truly deserving people.

Q. How has Northern Health supported your growth – professionally or personally?

I have been very lucky during my time at Northern Health. I have had colleagues who have supported me wholeheartedly to achieve my goals, and I have had leaders who saw potential and created opportunities for me. I have had the good fortune to be mentored by both Senior Leaders internally and organisation-funded coaches externally. This has accelerated my development both professionally and personally.

Outside of work, I love to travel, spend time with my family, adventure- hiking, road and trail running and high-altitude climbs. Northern Health has great policies and services that support us as people – whether it’s leave, financial or health benefits, perks, and support in the form of wonderful colleagues who take care of me each time I show up to work with a new injury!

Q. What keeps you coming back each day? 

This is an easy one for me – the people.
It’s the people I work with, the people I work for, and ultimately the people we serve.

Q. What would you say to someone thinking about working at Northern Health?

I would say, if our values resonate with you, and you want to serve your community and would like to be in an environment that will provide you with opportunities to expand and evolve, and you are willing to work hard, Northern Health is a great organisation to be part of.