Epworth

Two decades after first climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Dr Alla Medownick has proven to herself she can still complete the challenge – with a new knee! 🧗 Dr Medownick recently underwent a robotic knee replacement using the latest technique performed by Epworth orthopaedic surgeon Mr Andrew Tang in March 2022. In January this year, she successfully completed the 1,300+ step bridge climb for a second time. “My knees handled the bridge climb just as well as last time. You wouldn’t know I have a prosthesis – sometimes even I forget,” Dr Medownick said.

Dr Oliver Cronin, specialist Gastroenterologist at Epworth, recently joined Mark Bouris on Project 100 to share expert insights on transforming the future of bowel cancer detection. Together, they explored innovative approaches that could save lives through earlier and more accurate screening. Listen now: Search “Project 100 with Mark Bouris” on your favourite podcast platform! 🎧

Professor Jennie Ponsford's dedication to improving outcomes and quality of life for people after brain injury and trauma has been nationally recognised. The Founding Director of the Monash Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Prof Ponsford AO was named the top researcher in rehabilitation therapy in The Australian newspaper last week. We congratulate Prof Ponsford on this well-deserved recognition 👏

Today is World Pancreatic Cancer Day 💜 Pancreatic cancer is one of Australia’s deadliest common cancers, often diagnosed too late when treatment options are limited. At the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth, we’re leading research to improve early diagnosis and providing compassionate care to support patients and families through every stage of their journey. As proud members of the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Alliance, we work alongside organisations nationwide to raise awareness and drive change. Together, we can make a difference. To find out more, please visit: https://ow.ly/2eZP50Xuuiv

Last week we celebrated Perioperative Nurses Week recognising the expertise and dedication of the nurses who ensure every patient receives exceptional care throughout their surgical journey. This year’s theme was S T A R S – celebrating the teams who keep surgery safe: Scrub and Scout, Technicians, Anaesthetics, Recovery and Support. 💙 We marked the occasion with fun games and prizes to show our appreciation. Thank you for all you do behind the scenes to support patients and teams every day.

Last week, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Monash Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre (MERRC) 🎉 The important partnership between Monash University and Epworth HealthCare is improving outcomes for people who have sustained traumatic brain injury. Its most significant study, funded by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), has followed up more than 3,400 Epworth patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury over decades. The study provides a comprehensive picture of the post-injury changes experienced over time on the individuals and their families. “I feel very proud of the fact that we've been able to follow up all these patients and identify what their long-term needs are, and then in turn create really meaningful treatments that can make a difference to them,” said MERRC Founding Director, Prof Jennie Ponsford AO. We look forward to the next 25 years of this enduring partnership.

Today, on Remembrance Day, at Epworth we pause to remember and express our gratitude to all who have given their lives in the pursuit of peace and freedom. Lest we forget. #RemembranceDay

💙 Support Services Day – celebrating our amazing team! Today, we recognise our dedicated Support Services staff whose work ensures patients, visitors, staff and doctors experience a safe, clean and welcoming environment across Epworth. From cleaning patient rooms and preparing meals, to managing car parks, maintaining safety and transporting patients – your efforts make a real difference, every day. Thank you for all that you do.

Every day, Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) keeps patients, staff and doctors safe, across our hospitals. Infection prevention is an important responsibility, and with clinical leaders like Lizzie, IPAC Clinical Nurse Consultant at Epworth Eastern, this vital work makes a lasting impact on how we care for our patients and each other. We recognise the essential work of our IPAC team across Epworth to reduce risk and keep everyone safe.

Thank you to our team in the Emergency Department at Epworth Richmond and Epworth Geelong! 💙 Last week, we celebrated ED Nurses Week, recognising the incredible 24/7 care and commitment of our Emergency Department nurses. Thank you for everything you do for our patients and community! 🙌