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.

In this episode we visit with Associate Professor Vinay Lakra, Northern Health's Divisional Director of Mental Health Services.

A long-time crusader for social equity, Vinay shares on the importance of having a specialised focus on psychiatric illnesses in the same way we do for other medical conditions, and advocates for legislative change beyond awareness.  

He presents a strong argument as to why Melbourne is one of the best cities in the world, challenges our thinking on 'speaking up', and reveals he could have been an international cricketer.

He enjoys riding his Harley on the open road, but you won't believe where he prefers to watch movies.

Step up to the crease and prepare to face some right arm over the wicket swing in this episode of Visiting Hours.