First of May 2024 marked six months since Northern Health and Kilmore District Hospital united for the growing and diverse needs of the northern catchment.
Kilmore District Hospital became a campus of Northern Health on November 1, 2023 – joining an existing network of services across Craigieburn, Bundoora, Broadmeadows, Epping, Mill Park, Preston, and Mernda.
Under the Northern Health brand, the service itself became known as Kilmore District Health.
Community Hospitals Divisional Director Jennifer Gilham said it had been a busy but exciting six months since the voluntary amalgamation between Kilmore District Hospital and Northern Health.
“During this time, we have seen the commencement of paediatric clinics and more doctors employed in urgent care to support increased medical coverage,” she said.
“We have also received support from the Northern Health Workforce Unit to help transition Northern Health staff to work at Kilmore when required.
“We have been able to increase surgical lists at Kilmore and provide birthing and post-natal care for maternity patients when demand for these services has been high at Northern Hospital. We have also seen greater opportunity for professional development.”
Kilmore District Hospital Director of Nursing and Site Director Bec van de Paverd was also proud of the significant achievements of staff and of progress towards better connected care.
“The amalgamation has brought together our resources and expertise, facilitating streamlined processes and an enriched patient experience, ensuring the ongoing delivery of high-quality care,” she said.
“A notable achievement has been the introduction of Values Week and our focused efforts to improve access to maternity services and the urgent care centre. These initiatives enable more members of our community to access care conveniently closer to home.
“Most of all it has been fantastic to see staff at all campuses dedicated and committed to providing a comprehensive range of services, as well as identifying new opportunities for services at Kilmore.
“This has enabled greater collaboration and more comprehensive care for our local Kilmore community, who can access care close to home where possible, with streamlined access to a major metropolitan health service if required.”
