Newsletter JULY 2025 by ncncommunications

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

NATIONAL

STANDARDS ACCREDITATION REASSESSMENT

Earlier this year, NCN Health underwent National Standards Accreditation, and at the time received six ‘met with recommendation’ themes that required action. It is very pleasing to be able to report, following reassessment that took place on July 18, that NCN Health has been able to satisfy all six ‘met with recommendation’ themes, meaning that NCN Health is now assessed as fully accredited. This is an incredible outcome, and in the words of the assessor ‘dazzling’.

More to the point though was the level of confidence, pride and subject matter expertise with which NCN Health team members were able to speak to the improvements that have been made over the past 60 days, which the assessor acknowledged provided solid evidence of a commitment and capability to continuous ongoing improvement.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

The Board of Directors has engaged the services of consultant Nicole Amsing to shape the consultation around our next organisational Strategic Plan. Nicole will lead community and staff consultation and I really encourage all staff to offer their thoughts and feedback when the opportunity arises.

The Strategic Plan sets the direction of NCN Health for the for the next 5 years and beyond. We want the plan to reflect our people and our community More information will be made available to staff once consultation begins.

CAPITAL WORKS AND UPGRADES

It is with great pleasure that I can confirm the appointment of Heather Flynn to NCN Health as Director of People, Culture and Experience. Heather has led diverse People and Culture portfolios in complex environments and she is currently a member of the Albury Wodonga Health team in the role of Director of Workforce and Organisational Development. Importantly, the emphasis on the addition of ‘Experience’ in the Director of People and Culture role title is consistent with NCN Health’s commitment to the customer and employment experience at NCN Health.

Heather is scheduled to commence on the 25th August 2025, please join me in making her feel welcome.

I would also like to thank Leanne Daldy for her leadership and support in the interim Director of People and Culture role at NCN Health. Leanne will be assisting with Heather’s transition into her new role and into the broader NCN Health team.

worked quickly to implement appropriate infection control measures and we thank you all for your hard work and diligence

Unfortunately, it is the time of year when we see an increase in winter illness and sick leave Thank you to our staff for your positivity and solutions focused attitudes when managing workloads around sick leave during the winter months.

A reminder to all staff to please stay at home if you feel unwell, even if you test negative to COVID or Influenza It is vital you take care of yourself and return to work when it is safe to do so. Equally if you become symptomatic while at work, please speak to your manager or direct report immediately.

Enjoy the last month of Winter!

Mark Ashcroft

NCN Health, CEO

Mark.Ashcroft@ncnhealth.org.au

Community Care Worker Food Services Assistant

Megan Monckton Gayani De Silva

Akeem Hancock, Jennifer McGurgan, Lindsay Paice

Abbey Dowell Mollie Mullane Food Services Assistant Enrolled Nurse

Tricia Perez Environmental Service Assistant

Jessica Sotto

Antonette Cabilo Environmental Service Assistant Food Services Assistant

Staff Service Awards

Congratulations to the following staff who have received a Service Award in the first half of 2025. These staff will be acknowledged at the Annual General Meeting.

January

Bridget Booth, 10 years

Christy Culton, 10 years

Nomvula Kakono, 10 years

Tegan Watson, 10 years

Katrina Jones, 20 years

February

Judith Evans, 10 years

Kathryn Shelley, 25 years

Sharon Gray, 10 years

Sheree Lawless, 15 years

March

Ashlee Clifford, 15 years

April

Kerri-anne Culton, 10 years

Deidre Mansfield, 15 years

Joanne Mills, 30 years

Jessica Stanyer, 15 years

Sharyn James, 10 years

Kylie Darcy, 10 years

Amy Kopsidas, 15 years

May

Carolyn Drenen, 25 years

Rachel O’Dwyer, 25 years

Jane Bourchier, 15 years

Jillian Fitzgerald, 10 years

June

Vinod Kalappurackal, 10 years

Sheridan Davies, 15 years

Cameron McLeod, 10 years

Adele McMaster, 10 years

Amanda Felmingham, 10 years

Siya George, 10 years

Heather Clifford, 25 years

Kay Hodge, 10 years

July

Catherine Kelly, 25 years

Anne O’Riley, 15 years

PROMPT DOCUMENTS – Clinical & Non-Clinical Document Management

1 June 2025 - 31 July2025

Archived

Document Title

MR96 Blood Component

Administration Chart NCNDRAFT

MR44 Short Stay Abdominal Pain

Pathway NCN

Liquidity Management Strategy

Prudential Compliance Fees, Key

Personnel & Prudential Standards

Residential Aged Care (inc NDIS)

Investments

Board Code of Governance Handbook

NCN Health Board Charter (ToR)

People and Culture Team Meeting

NCN

Flexible Working Arrangements NCN

Staff Uniform NCN

Risk Management Framework

TEMPLATE - Focused Consumer Rounding Log - Charter of Rights

TEMPLATE - Focused Consumer Rounding Log - Clinical Handover

TEMPLATE - Focused Consumer Rounding Log - Deteriorating Patient

TEMPLATE - Focused Consumer Rounding Log ACT

TEMPLATE - Leader Rounding Log

People and Culture

Quality & Risk

& Risk Quality & Risk

Quality & Risk

New Documents

Document

CSSD – Purchasing reprocessing equipment, reusable medical devices and Accessories

Including Critical Consumables

CSSD: Equipment Failure

CSSD: Management of Loan Equipment

Expiry Dates for Reusable Medical Devices and Consumables for CSSD Investments

Liquidity Management Strategy

Prudential Compliance Fees, Key Personnel, Prudential Standards

Residential Aged Care (inc NDIS) Board of Directors Code of Governance Handbook

Corporate Waste Management

Environmental Services Cleaning Manual

Reviewed & Changed

Clinical Care Committee

MR12 Blood Transfusion Checklist

Responding to Decreased Fetal Movements

Healthcare Worker Immunisation

Infection Prevention and Control Governance Committee

Influenza Vaccination for Healthcare Workers

Management of relative humidity and temperature in sterile storage areas

Acute Admissions

MR10 Admission Physical Risk Screening Tool

Classification of RMD into Product Families

Cleaning Requirements of CSSD

CSSD - Auditing ProceduresSterilising Department

CSSD - Cleaning, Disinfecting of Reusable Medical Devices (RMDs)

CSSD - Qualification of Reprocessing Equipment

CSSD - Use of Chemical Indicators

CSSD: Collection and Transport of Used Reusable Medical Devices (RMDs)

Inspection, assembly and testing and packaging reusable medical devices (RMDs) prior to disinfection and sterilisation

Non-Routine Reprocessing

Nonconforming Reusable Medical Device (RMD) and Recall Procedures

Clinical Practice Clinical Practice

Clinical Practice

Practice

Clinical Practice Clinical Practice

Clinical Practice

Clinical Practice Clinical Practice

Clinical Practice

Routine monitoring and control of cleaning and disinfecting processes

Storage & Handling of Sterile

Stock – Perioperative and Dental

Training and assessment of competency in sterilising reusable medical devices (RMD)

Unloading and Releasing

Sterilised RMDs in CSSD and Endoscopy Unit

MR35 Adult Abdominal Pain

Pathway

COVID-19 Safe Plan

Liquidity Management Strategy

Prudential Compliance Fees, Key Personnel & Prudential Standards

Residential Aged Care (inc NDIS)

Instrument of Delegation - May 2025

Investments

Board Code of Governance Handbook

Board of Directors Code of Governance Handbook

Freedom of Information Request

Form - NCN Health (July 2025)

Home Visit Security NCN

Corporate Waste Management

Notification of Breach of Safe Patient Care Act

Succession Planning NCN

Confidentiality

Student Placement Respiratory

Fit Test

Community Health and Wellbeing

- Client Information Booklet

Consumer Feedback Brochure

NCN

Duty of Candour - what to expect 2 page flyer

Checklist for SDC Process

Clinical Quality & Safety Committee

Coroners Case Procedure

Risk Management

SDC Initial meeting note template

SDC Meeting report template

Suspected Urinary Tract

Infections (UTI) Pathway - With Catheter

Procedures

Pathways

Plans / Manual

Procedures

Plans / Manual

Charter

Forms

Procedures

Forms

Procedures

Consumer Information

Consumer Information Forms

Terms Of Reference Procedures

Policies Forms Forms

Forms

Clinical Practice

Emergency

Management

Finance Finance

Finance

Governance

Integrated

Community Health

Operations

People and Culture

Quality & Risk

Suspected Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) PathwayWithout Catheter

What is the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS)?

RACS

Forms Consumer Information

Residential Aged Care

Residential Aged Care Review Review

Outlookupcoming changes

The modern Outlook Web App allows you to access it anywhere, anytime, from any device. It’s faster than the desktop app and has many great features.

WHAT IS CHANGING?

The Outlook Web App is already available to all staff. We will be removing the Outlook Desktop App in phases in sync with Microsoft’s plan and licensing.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you have received an email, then you are the first group to be part of the Modernisation Plan. Please start familiarising yourself with the Outlook Web App now, before the cut-off date of 19 August 2025

GET READY NOW

Familiarise yourself with the Outlook Web App: https://outlook.office.com/mail/ (Available on the home page of our NCN Health intranet) Prepare for a 2GB mailbox size

Continue to access other Microsoft apps like Teams, Word, Excel etc. without changes

FAQ’S

Is Training Available?

Yes, join a Lunch n’ Learn via the Intranet.

My Mailbox is greater than 2GB. What will happen?

You will not be able to send or receive mail until you have reduced the size.

I need the Outlook Desktop App due to my role, what do I do?

Send a request to HRHA with your Manager and Finance approval. We can add an additional licence upon approval.

Can I still use LiquidFiles via Outlook?

No, it is not currently available in the Outlook Web App. You can access LiquidFiles via the Intranet - Bookmarks and Links section.

OutlookAdding a shared Mailbox to Webmail

I

NEED TO ACCESS DIFFERENT MAILBOXES.

HOW DO I DO THIS?

1.Open the web app, either by finding it on the intranet or via the staff login on the NCN Health website.

2. Locate the three ... next to folders and click. You will get the options to the side.

3. Click add shared folder or mailbox, search for the mailbox you are wanting to add, select it and click continue.

4. If you have permission to that mailbox, you will get the following message.

5. Click close and exit the window, the mailbox will now be visible below your main inbox on the lefthand side. Expand it by click the arrow in front of the name.

HybridHero

What is HybridHero?

HybridHero is our desk booking system which enables staff who work across campuses to make sure they always have somewhere to sit

How do I book a desk?

Booking a desk has never been easier - simply jump onto the Intranet and select Desk Booking from the front page. You will need to enter your username (staff email) and password.

Once you have logged in and set up your profile you have access to the desks to book what you need.

Watch the video below to see how to book your desk and check in.

How often do I need to book a desk?

You only need to book a desk if you are working at a campus that you don’t normally work from and need to sit in a new location.

How do I know if a desk is available?

When booking in the desks that are available will be able to be selected. If you can’t select a desk, it has already been booked by someone else.

What

if my work plans change?

If you are no longer in need of a booking, please adjust your bookings as soon as you know. This allows someone else to use that desk.

ICT REQUESTS

TO SUBMIT AN ICT REQUEST TO HRHA PLEASE USE THESE DETAILS:

Email: Service.Desk@hrha.org.au

Phone: (Internal) *4742

Phone: (External) (03) 5825 9990

Please alert your direct manager if you feel the request needs escalating. They will escalate to the Business Services Manager if required for escalation with HRHA In this instance you will need to give your manager and the Business Services Manager the job number associated with your IT issue. INTERNAL NCN ESCALATION

REWARD AND RECOGNITION

KYLIE HUTCHINSON - ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES / COBRAM

Kylie managed the change over of disposable curtains in Irvin House with the assistance of the maintenance team. I was providing assistance and direction via phone and text message from Nathalia. Kylie took the additional task on, made time and completed what was needed She sought out help as directed from the maintenance team, communicated with me about what was happening and anything outstanding that needed follow up. This task was overdue and we are glad to have it completed Thank you

JASON KERR - MAINTENANCE / COBRAM

Jason provided assistance to change over disposable curtains in Irvin House, Jason and the maintenance team are always very busy but still take on more and help when asked The Environmental staff are unable to complete this task on their own, we are very appreciative of the help and specifically that help is provided at short notice

CRC COBRAM TEAM

With no admin support due to unplanned leave, the whole team stepped up to ensure all clients were checked in and seen for the day with no disruptions to service Special mention to Marie Doyle who stepped up to help with Footcare rebookings throughout the day. Great team work.

RACHELLE DODD - REGISTERED NURSE / NUMURKAH

Rachelle was asked to step up into the role of After Hours Manager a couple of weeks ago and did an incredible job. She ensured that all of the staff working that morning shift were supported. Rachelle worked well under the pressure of a busy Sunday morning as well as managing a couple of Urgent Care presentations during the morning

WorkSafe Alert

WorkSafe Victoria have issued a duress alarms safety alert for all Victorian hospitals and other healthcare settings. The alert comes after WorkSafe recognised a systemic issue regarding duress alarms and systems across the healthcare sector.

Are wearing your duress alarm around your neck?

ANMF (Vic Branch) advises that no duress alarm should be worn on a lanyard around your neck. If this is occurring in the area you are working please raise this as an OHS issue immediately via your Manager, OHS team at NCNOHS@ncnhealth.org.au and please ensure your Designated Work Group [DWG] Health & Safety Representative [HSR] is included in the email.

Managers please ensure your team members, including students and agency staff, are educated and trained on the use of insitu and portable duress alarms.

Safety Issues

Healthcare workers face an increased risk of work-related violence. Being unable to quickly activate a duress alarm might result in: delayed emergency response increased risk of physical and psychological harm to staff escalation of aggressive behaviour increased risk to bystanders and patients

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any queries: Email–NCNOHS@ncnhealth.org.au

Tanya Fothergill and Lisa Aquilina

–Numurkah Campus Ext 20319

-Cobram Campus Ext 10878

–Nathalia Campus Ext 69471

Julie Vella–Ext 20568

Respiratory Fit Test

Is your N95 Mask the correct one?

Did you know that you need a new fit test done at least every few years? You may need one sooner if you have had any changes

WHEN DO I NEED A NEW TEST?

You can request a Respiratory Fit Test at any time - particularly is you have:

Significant weight loss or gain

Facial trauma/surgery

Scarring or cosmetic surgery/cosmetic procedures such as fillers

Extensive dental work including extractions and new dentures

Any concerns about the respirator you were previously fitted

HOW DO I BOOK A TEST

Appointments can be scheduled via the Intranet under the People and Culture tab.

Connections Day Bridge Walk

Representatives from NCN Health joined Many Mobs Indigenous Corporation in the Annual Connections Day Bridge Walk at Yarrawonga Mulwala. We are grateful to have the opportunity to walk together and celebrate Country with respect and acknowledgement of everyone who came before. Thank you to the Community Development Team who shared some health information resources on the day

Dharnya Day 2025

It was beautiful and sunny in the heart of the Barmah Forest for Dharnya Day, where community gathered to celebrate Yorta Yorta Country, culture, connection and community during NAIDOC Week. Congrats to all the team at Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation for creating such a special day each year for us to come together!!

Second Hand Uniform Sales

We have a selection of Second Hand Uniform items that are for sale. Second hand uniform items are a great way to update your work wardrobe on a budget. It is also a great way to recycle textiles! Second hand uniforms are available to purchase year round (subject to what is available at the time) at a fraction of the cost of a new uniform.

Payment is made via salary deduction. Once items are selected and the order and salary deduction form is complete, please email it to ncnuniforms@ncnhealth.org.au

The list of items available, order and deduction form can be found on the Second Hand Uniforms page on the Intranet Simply locate the page under Popular Hangouts on the home page.

Currently the uniforms team are having a Winter sale on Winter outerwear items. Please find the list of available items on the Intranet. All items are currently $10!

Promoting Positive Interdepartmental Relationships: Core Values and Actions

To strengthen collaboration and ensure smooth operations across departments, Supply commits to the following shared values:

1. Respect

Mutual respect supports a functional, efficient workplace. Actions:

· Adhere to timelines and processes; urgent requests may not always be feasible Supply is governed by HSV contracts do not request purchases from unapproved platforms (e.g. eBay, Temu)

· Understand that delivery delays may occur; overnight delivery is not always possible. Only high-turnover items are stocked due to space and budget limits.

2. Accountability

Departments play a key role in planning and maintaining their own stock.

Actions:

· Submit orders on time and in the agreed format. Check stock levels regularly.

· Keep storerooms clean and organised

· Include item codes and quotes (if applicable) in requests.

· Obtain manager approval for non-impress list items.

· Submit all orders in writing (impress list or email). Document items taken after-hours for inventory tracking.

3. Partnership

Working together leads to better service and outcomes. Actions:

· Research new product requests before contacting Supply

· Be prepared with full details, justification, and approvals.

· Collaborate with Supply to resolve issues and refine proce

4. Communication

Respectful, timely communication builds trust and reduces Actions:

· Communicate needs and concerns early. Give and receive feedback constructively.

· Use clear channels (e g , email, written requests) for traceability

· Share relevant updates with colleagues proactively. By living these values, we support a cooperative, efficient, and respectful workplace across all departments.

Social Club Happenings!

Billy Barrell Winners!

Save the date, the next event for Social Club is a winery visit at Capehorn Vineyard and Bar Echucha. September 14. More details to come ASAP! Join us for a lovely afternoon out and about!

Every month, 2 lucky social club members win a $30 cash prize in a random Billy Barrell Draw.

The latest winners are:

July

Teruko Smith

Andrea Walker

June

Julie Anne Vella

Lynne Peterson

Please arrange to collect your $30 cash prize from Numurkah reception, please note you can have someone pick it up on your behalf, but they will have to sign for it. If you have any issues, contact ncnsocialclub@ncnhealth.org.au

If you’d like to be in the draw to win a Billy Barrell Cash Prize, join social club! Just $5 per fortnight. To join, head to the Social Club page on the intranet for all the details - Social Club

The now annual Social Club Trivia Night was a great evening, Best Dresses Award went to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, with some contention from the SuperSmarties table. Overall Quiz Winners went to ‘The Price is Right’!

Thanks for a great night!

NCNSwellarerunningastepchallengethis winteranditnottoolatetojoinin!Stepyour waytobetterhealth,weeklyprizesandsome friendlycompetition.

HowdoIparticipate?

Visit10000stepsandregisteryouraccount Emailncnswell@ncnhealth.org.autoconfirm youhavesignedup.Wewillthenaddyouto thechallenge.

Logyourstepsdaily,alternativelyyoucanlog activityminutesandtheywillbeconverted intosteps.Youcanalsodownloadthe10000 stepsapp,connectittoyourhealthappon yourphoneanditwillautosyncsteps.

OPTIONAL:Joininthefunbypostingpictures orvideofromyourwalksinthestaffFBgroup, orbyusing#greatwinterwalkoffonyoursocial postssowecanseewhereyou’vegone!(make surethey’republic)

Ifyouhaveanaccountfrom2024,noneedto registeragain-justemail ncnswell@ncnhealth.org.autoparticipatein ourcompetition.

Pedometer savailable!

Ifyouareregisteredbut needapedometer, contactSWELLwithyour detailsandwewillget onetoyouassoonas theyarrive!

Surprisedraws

Highestnumber ofstepsper campus Highestnumber ofstepsoverall.

Tosignupregisterforan accountat 10000steps.org.authen email ncnswell@ncnhealth.org. au

Dental Discount for NCN Health staff located at Nathalia and Numurkah

10%

Staff must be in uniform or show their Staff ID Photo Card at the time of the appointment to receive the discount.

Can only be used at the Numurkah practice No discounts will be given post appointment

NPML Resident Profile

Winter Warmers at Karinya

Karinya staff and residents have stayed active and warm during winter enjoying some recent self care with foot baths and table top games.

Irvin House Activities

Mini Pizzas

Irvin House Activities

ACTIVE GAMES RING TOSS

BUDDY THE MINIATURE HORSE

Irvin House Activities

Science Experiments Playdough

Every Tuesday and Thursday

Join Chelsey and Angela for free fitness classes at the NCN

Health Numurkah CH&W Gym

Our Programs

Cardio & Strength Circuit

Les Mills Body Balance

HIIT Tabata

Les Mills Body Combat

Metafit Boxing

MetaPWR

HIITSTEP

Numurkah Community

Health and Wellbeing Gym

Chelsey.Thorne@ncnhealth.org.au

Angela.Thorne@ncnhealth.org.au Angela.Thorne@ncnhealth.org.au

FOOD AND PLAY Embracing

Do you have a baby between the ages of 3- 9 months?

Are you introducing solids or have questions about food?

Would you like practical tips and ideas?

Join NCN Health, Yarrawonga Health and Maternal Child Health Moira Shire as we explore baby stages.

With a focus on:

Understanding and responding to babies feeding cues/signs

When and how to introduce solid foods and sippy cups

Progressing through food textures - from Puree to Lumps to family food

Dealing with gagging and choking

Active play you can do together

Exploring healthy body image

Strategies for limiting screen time

Lots of practical tips and ideas

When someonedies bysuicide, the loved ones left behind often must deal with an array of their own emotions. It can bedifficult to discuss with people who have not had the same experience. Some people feel that they are not able to share their feelings or story due to stigma or suicide being a taboo topic. This support group is a supportive space to share your grief, and support others.

Second Wednesday of the Month 6.00pm–7.30pm A Brave Space for those who have lost someone to taking their own lives. A Facilitated Peer Support Group. A chance to share your story and meet others in a similar situation.

Meryula

Clinic (Sexual Health)

@ NCN Health - Numurkah

- SELF REFFERED WHAT IS MERYULA CLINIC?

The Meryula Clinic is a free and confidential service run by GV Health and supported by NCN Health. The clinic is for all individuals within the region and is run by experienced nurses who specialise in sexual and reproductive health.