Advertise on podcast: Visiting Hours

Organ & Tissue Donation: The ultimate gift of life. In this episode we visit with Bridget Walters, Northern Health's Nurse Donation Specialist. Working closely with DonateLife Victoria, Bridget talks about the importance of ensuring you're registered for organ and tissue donation. She shares how she copes at the end of the day after investing so much of herself into her patients and their families. and how vital it is to have conversations with your loved ones about your wishes to donate. As Bridget says,"Organ and tissue donation really is the ultimate gift of life." Please consider registering here or at MyGov with your Medicare card, then sit back and stay a while with us for Visiting Hours.

Holistic Healthcare: A Refugee's Perspective  In this episode we visit with Dr. David Tran, Northern Health's Divisional Director of Women and Children's Services.  David brings a unique perspective to his leadership style as he reflects on his refugee background. He shares some insights into why there's a need for a holistic approach within Northern Health's Paediatric Refugee Clinic; reflects on the resolve it must have taken for his parents to flea Post-war Vietnam in boat not fit for the open ocean; and recalls some of his cheeky primary school translation efforts. Take a seat, as you're welcomed in to season 4 of Visiting Hours

In this episode we visit with Northern Health's Board Chair, Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly. We explore what it means to be, not just a good leader, but a great one. Alan shares his thoughts on why Northern Health's values Safe, Kind, Together, are so vital and why embracing them from the top-level down, is the key to a good reputation in our community. Alan commends the staff for the wonderful work that's been done this year, and looks forward to a sensational 2026 Pull up a chair and settle in for the last episode of series 3 as you enjoy Visiting Hours.

In this episode we visit with Seda Kiroglu, Unit Manager of Maternity Services here at Northern Health. Seda shares her story of growth in the organisation and her thoughts on leadership.  She highlights the vital role the Medical Obstetrics At Home (MOAH) program plays in delivering patient focused care when mums-to-be need it most. We talk about Seda's passion for healthcare at an early age and her determination to make that dream a reality, despite being told it wasn't for her. Take some slow, deep breathes and resist the urge to push, until this episode of Visiting Hours has finished

In this episode we visit with Ella Critchley, Program Manager, Advance Care Planning at Northern Health and Chair, Victorian Advance Care Planning, Community of Practice. We focus on the importance of putting an advance care plan in place and the benefits that it yields. Ella shares some real-world examples of the freedom and relief felt by patients during the process. As we explore Ella's journey into nursing, we discover how she developed a real connection with people while she visited her mum, who nursed in a rural hospital. The experiences gained there have grown into the genuine and thoughtful interactions Ella shares with her patients today. We touch on positive aging, family life and some recommendations for the perfect picnic location. Settles in and include Visiting Hours in your plan for the next 20 minutes or so. You won't regret it.

In this episode we visit with Dr Miranda Siemienowicz, CT Lead, Northern Imaging Victoria and Chair of the Australia and New Zealand Society of Thoracic Radiology. We chat about the recent commencement of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program and the positive outcomes already being seen for participants. Miranda outlines the steps she's taken to regain a balance in her life following the programs launch, making conscious decisions to de-escalate her work habits.  We discover some of her cherished childhood possessions, prove that stuff sounds cooler in Polish, and explore a life lesson learnt from her Great Aunt, a parked car and a patch of shade. Divert your phone, set an out of office email reply and lean in to listen to this episode of Visiting Hours.

In this episode we visit with Andrew Morrison, Northern Health's Aboriginal Cultural Safety and Employment Advisor. Andrew shares on the importance of fostering a culturally safe environment within a health setting. He reveals what prompted his journey into healthcare, and why he remains so passionate in his role today. Take a seat in the yarning circle, lean in and lend an ear to this episode of Visiting Hours.

In this episode we visit with Dr Isra'a Al Jumaily, a Hospital Medical Officer here at Northern Health.  Dr. Isra'a shares her experience of needing to flee her country with her family as refugees., leaving behind her home and her career. She relates what it's been like to start from scratch in Australia while she completes her registration, the importance of holding onto the best of one's culture, and theory on why fishing was different post covid lockdowns Hug your family, be kind to those around you as you lend an ear to this episode of Visiting Hours.

In this episode we visit with Dr Lucy Forrest, Music Therapist, who works with oncology/palliative care patients and their families at Northern Health. We discuss how vital it is to have a supportive team around you, the joys of cooking, and how music and art have the power to change the way people perceive and interact with clinical spaces. Lucy tells the story behind one of her original pieces of music, she explains the lasting impact legacy creation can have for patients, and even has time for a song or two. Pull up a chair, lend an ear and hum along to the soothing sounds of Visiting Hours.

In this episode we visit with Emergency Department Nurse Practitioner, Letty Bastian. We discuss an exciting study underway in ED using acupuncture for pain management and its potential benefits in that setting. Letty shares the insights she gained while studying for her Masters of Acupuncture and how it has helped shape her interactions with patients. We explore the highs and lows of living in Far North Queensland, the hidden treasures to be found in her local community and discover a path to contentment. Take a seat, warm up those smile muscles and immerse yourself in this episode!

Being spoken to in one's own language is often a safe habour; the walls come down, the wrinkles in a furrowed brow relax and for patients, it's one less thing to worry about. In this episode we visit with Yue Hu, Northern Health's Director of Transcultural and Language Services and the Aboriginal Support Unit. Both these teams nurture a culturally safe environment where people can truly be themselves as they move through the health system. Yue highlights the services available through Northern Health as she shares her passion for letting people know they're being heard. She offers some insight into her early life in China and shares the experience she had at the Northern Hospital that helped her decide to stay in Australia. Celebrate the diversity that embodies our health service as you stop by during Visiting Hours.

In this episode we visit with Northern Health Foundation Board Chair, Peter McWilliam.  A long-time supporter of Northern Health, Peter recalls some of the highlights of the last year and points to a bright future for the organisation. He praises the work of the foundation, noting some of the lifesaving work being done here as a direct result of the foundation and its supporters. Peter shares on the lasting influence of his grandfather, the rewards of serving the community and how a black cowboy hat helped kindle a lifelong partnership. Pull up a chair, pour yourself a cuppa, and sprinkle in some Christmas cheer as you enjoy the grand finale of Season 2 on Visiting Hours

In this episode we visit with Jen Gilham, Divisional Director of Community Hospitals at Northern Health. From her early days as a rural and remote nurse, a seed was planted that has seen her career blossom into senior leadership. A prime example of not being able to take the 'country out of the girl', she maintains a strong connection with the community she serves.  Jen shares her love of travel, friendships and nursing. She highlights the true value that nurses bring to their patients and families, and looks forward to the expansion of Northern Health's facilities bringing better connected care closer to home for rural residents. Pull up a chair, grab some chocolate and relax with Visiting Hours.

In this episode we visit with obstetrician and researcher, Professor Lisa Hui A respected global leader in her field of prenatal diagnosis, Lisa talks about the work being done by the Reproductive Health Biobank and the benefits the research is allowing. She shares her passion for photographing our feathered fauna, bringing family together in the kitchen, and boosting biodiversity in the backyard. Grab a spade, plant some natives and enjoy the outdoors as you listen to Visiting Hours.

Today we pay a visit to Northern Health's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Prahlad Ho. An enthusiastic advocate for research, Prahlad talks about the support he received throughout his journey at Northern Health, starting as an intern. He shares fondly about his family, the importance of making everyday moments an opportunity to connect, and how an encounter in the cardiac ward changed his life for the better. Get out your stethoscope, remember to warm it up first, and listen intently to Visiting Hours.