ED: An Overview
St. Vincent’s Hospital is an Adult Tertiary Emergency Department, one of five A1 tertiary hospitals in Melbourne.
We provide general and specialist medical and surgical state-wide services, and extensive training and research.
The hospital has extensive networks with outer metropolitan and rural and regional Victoria to provide specialist tertiary referral services.
The hospital is a major provider of correctional health services, including 10 tertiary service beds in a secure ward at Fitzroy (St Augustine’s) and 65 beds located in correctional facilities.
The hospital owns and operates a private pathology network, private radiology services, general practice services, dialysis and Breast Screen satellite sites.
St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne operates an area mental health service for the northern and eastern corridors of metropolitan Melbourne, operating 44 acute beds (including five beds providing a state wide Aboriginal mental health service) and a 20-bed Community Care Unit in North Fitzroy.
SVHM Emergency Department sees around 51,000 patients per year, with a 40% admission rate. Ambulance arrivals account for 36.7% of our presentations. We have a relatively high presentation rate for some of the most vulnerable patient groups; the homeless (1.8% of all presentations), those who require interpreter services on presentation (8.5% of all presentations), the elderly (29.8% of all presentations) and patients whose primary complaint is an acute mental health issue (10.3% of all presentations).
Who’s who?
Director of Emergency Medicine (DEM): Jonty Karro
Deputy Directors of Emergency Medicine: Nicola Cunningham, Brendan Morrissey
Acting Nurse Unit Managers (NUM): Deanne Hams, Dianne DeMack
Directors of Emergency Medicine Training (DEMTs): Sarah Ward, Jacqueline Maplesden, Alex Handrinos
Prevocational Trainee (Intern & PGY2) Term Supervisors: Joel Wilson, Alexandra Archer
Director of Emergency Medicine Research: A/Prof Hamed Akhlaghi
PA to the DEM & NUM: Sean McNulty (ext. 14388)
ALERT (Assessment Liaison & Early Referral Team)
Care coordinators, physiotherapy, occupational therapy
Coordinated care for clients who present to ED with complex psychosocial & medical needs, aiming to prevent/reduce the need for clients to present to ED in the future.
M-S: 08:30 – 21:00
Ext 12050, pager 405
ED Pharmacists: Ext. 14211
ED Mental Health
ED Mental Health clinicians - mental health nurses, social workers or occupational therapists
Direct assessment for people with primary mental health presentations
Consultation/liaison for those people who present with complex issues
Ext. 12032, 24/7
Consultant Biographies
Dr Jonathan (Jonty) Karro --- Director of Emergency Medicine; Program Director of Medicine, Emergency and ICU: Background; ED Physician with almost 20 years’ experience; trained through St Vs. Medical Interests: Leadership/Management, Continuous Improvement, Clinical Toxicology. Hobbies: Love all sports especially AFL and cricket, Golf nut. Enjoys adventure holidays- Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, West Highland Way and others. Married to Cassie with 2 adult children, Lily and Jack, and a pet Frenchie Arlo.
A/Prof Nicola Cunningham --- Deputy Director of Emergency Medicine Background: Worked in Newcastle (NSW) and Hong Kong. FACEM at St V’s since 2007. Also works as a Forensic Medicine Specialist and with Monash Medicine and Safer Care Victoria. Medical Interests: All things safety – patient safety, cultural safety, psychological safety… Founder and Editor-in-chief of The Communiqués. Has a Master of Health Law. Enjoys research and teaching on patient safety, forensic medicine, and medico-legal matters - from adverse event reviews to dealing with police requests and giving evidence. Speak to Nicola before you write that statement for court. Hobbies: Kickboxing, trekking, trying to find more than 24 hours in a day. Three kids the same age as Neil’s - coincidence? No
Dr Brendan Morrissey --- Deputy Director of Emergency Medicine. Background: Irish born, Australia + NZ + Ireland + PNG trained. FACEM since 2016. Medical Interests: Med Ed (supervisor of intern training at SVHM), ACEM exams (ACEM SAQ Working Group deputy lead). Hobbies: Running, good whiskey, bad movies. Married to Meg, father to Andy & Niamh.
Dr Alex Archer --- Background: FACEM since 2017. Previously worked across various centres in WA, the NT and Victoria. Current non-clinical portfolios include ED JMS (Intern & HMO) supervision, and BOC/Restrictive Interventions/Mental health. Hobbies: Happy German Shepherd Owner, nature lover, cyclist & adventure holiday enthusiast.
Dr Alex Handrinos --- Background: A local, born and trained in Melbourne. Medical degree at Monash, FACEM since 2020, Post Grad in Clinical Teaching at Melbourne; Working full time at SVHM - Co-DEMT and occasional private shift. Medical interests: Med ed, exam prep, EBM, registrar development. Personal: Happiest in the kitchen, sweating over charcoal, on the golf course or with family
Dr Alex Swain --- Background: Melburnian. Travelled and worked in the UK and Africa before settling on ED training. Fellowship in 2005, here since 2010. Medical Interests: Helping with Primary exam prep and primary viva practice Hobbies: Cycling nut, and I have just bought Logic Pro for my Mac- so will be writing some woeful electronic tunes- beware!
Dr Andrew Walby --- Background: 35 years in the public healthcare system. FACEM training through Western Health. Previous DEM at SVHM Medical Interests: Disaster medicine, Diagnostic error in medicine, Supporting the RFC and MVFC Hobbies: Trivia nights, Creating Spotify playlists
Dr Andrew West --- Background: FACEM since 2023 but have been a registrar at St Vincent’s since 2015. Trained at Leeds University, UK. Medical Interests: I have fairly recent experience of sitting exams and insight into how to care for yourself and be cared for through this process having learnt from my successes and mistakes. I have an interest in education and specifically simulation training as well as physician wellbeing. I also provide coaching sessions for the registrars on any ED topic - QR code on the teaching website. Hobbies: Outside of medicine I enjoy swimming, golf (especially when I manage to hit the ball straight) and always have a DIY project on the go. I have a partner and 4 year old at home supporting me.
Dr Benjamin Lee --- My name is Ben, I’m proud to be a new consultant as of the end of 2022. I came over from the UK in 2014 after my intern years over there, worked around Melbourne for about 4 years as a unaccredited registrar, then came to St V’s to complete my training. At work I’m competent with ultrasound, I enjoy teaching and I’m always happy to act as a helping hand for anyone in training as I recently completed my own. Outside of work I live with my wife, Jess, who is a vet, so you can always ask me for some vet advice if you need. We have 3 beautiful children. The eldest is Maggie, who is a cat, then Puffin, who is a dog, and then Thora, who is just the most beautiful human child you’ll ever see. I like (proper) football, and support Arsenal. I like playing golf, squash, tennis, and I love skiing. I cycle to work and everywhere really. I do a fair amount of random DIY and gardening to keep me busy at home! Looking forward to getting to know you all a bit more.
Dr Ben Sinnett --- Background: Origins in Sydney, followed by a Prague stopover and training wrapped up in Melbourne. Fractional FACEM at St Vincent's and Austin Toxicology Fellow. Medical interests: FOAM-ED/medical podcasts, Tox and ACEM exam preparation. College involvement with EMSAC and CAPP. Non-medical interests: book clubs, marathon running, diving and foster animals.
Dr Claudiu Radeanu --- Background: Romanian moved to Australia 10 years ago. Worked in UK for 2 years. Medical Interests: Ultrasound/ echocardiography. International emergency medicine. Hobbies: Hiking, Trail running, General history
Dr Craig Winter --- Background: Ed physician since 1999.Worked as an ED director at a private ED, regional, urban district and tertiary prior to returning to clinical a few years ago. Medical Interests: Primary exam anatomy. Hobbies: 7 children aged 21 to 8. Hobbies include running, cycling and spending most of his life sorting out 7 children.
Dr David McAroe --- Background: Born in Belfast (just like Jamie Dornan), went to medical school in England then back to Belfast for HMO years. Recent FACEM so can still remember the horrors of Fellowship exams! Work 2 days a week at St V's and 2 days a week at ARV. Medical interests: disaster planning, critical care medicine and retrieval. Hobbies: any sport (esp if Ireland/Aus might beat the English), reading, podcasts (any recommendations?). Try to cycle to stay fit. 2 young daughters so I make a great snack, can sing all the songs from Frozen & Moana and am learning how to plait hair!
Dr Dino Druda --- Background: Originally from near Liverpool UK (the red bit), then moved to Newcastle upon Tyne for medical school. Started physician training in the NE England, completing MRCP(UK) before moving to Melbourne in 2002. Switched to ED and did ACEM training at Western and Austin, becoming a FACEM in 2011. Completed a two-year toxicology fellowship at Austin and VPIC. Joined St Vs ED in 2013 and work at Monash Health as a clinical toxicologist. Took over the simulation education role at St Vincent’s in 2023. Medical Interests: Medical Simulation, working in the education centre 2 days per week. Consultant toxicologist at VPIC so we may end up talking about drugs in the middle of the night… Occasional pitch side medical work for the AFL. Hobbies: Changed a bit since becoming a dad in 2018, so whilst I still love going to gigs, movies and restaurants, these now occur less frequently. Enjoy listening to records, and spending time down on the beaches of Phillip Island.
Dr Emily Hunter --- Background: FACEM since 2019, UK born, Australian trained. 2 days a week at St Vincent’s, 2 days a week at ARV. Medical Interests: Retrieval Medicine/Crit Care. Hobbies: Gardening, hiking, travel and hanging out with my two little people.
Dr Georgina Phillips --- Background: A St V blueblood- medical student early 90’s, intern, resident, Reg, consultant here. Now part time St V, part time International EM, Pacific. PNG, Fiji, Myanmar, Solomon Islands, Kiribati. Medical Interests: See her if interested in international/pacific health. Mental health/drugs/homeless/complex patients- see Cameron chapter behaviourally disturbed- co-author. Hobbies: Reads, cycles, swims doesn’t own a tele or car, she is one of those “latte -sipping, inner-city, post-materialistic leftists”
A/Prof Hamed Akhlaghi --- Background: Born in Iran, studied at Tehran University before coming to RMH in 2007. PhD in neuro-imaging, FACEM since May 2015, also works at Werribee ED Medical Interests: Imaging and ultrasound. IT and website design including Werribee ED intranet. Medical education. DEMT at Werribee. Hobbies: Badminton, travelling. Persian Calligraphy.
Dr Jack Bergman --- Background: From South Africa via NZ. ED physician since 1995, and is the Director of Medical Services (DMS) at Cabrini Health in Malvern. Previously DMS at Epworth Richmond, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Mercy Health and a Health Risks Consultant at VMIA. Brief stint at RMH. Medical Interests: Patient communication and managerial oversight. Keen to support the ever-changing operational goals of the department & also happy to share his cynical views regarding the fiscal nature of medicine. Personal: Married to a GP with two adult children – one a paramedic (we may see him drop off patients) and one with an MPH. Runner to maintain sanity. Happy to have company any time. Plodded my way through the FRACMA process but settled for the AFRACMA instead.
Dr Jacqueline Maplesden --- Background: Grew up and trained in NZ, initial FACEM at Austin then to Oxford UK before returning to Melbourne ‘5-year plan’ 15 years ago. Medical Interests: Co-DEMT, interest in Med Ed and Toxicology. Completed a sabbatical and PG Cert in Clinical Toxicology in 2018. Hobbies: running two teens about, juggling two book clubs, getting outdoors whenever possible and enjoying the urban charms of Melbourne.
Dr Janelle Dalip --- Born in Trinidad & Tobago in the West Indies, I completed my M.B.,B.S. degree at the University of the West Indies and was working there as a surgical registrar when I seized the opportunity provided by GVH, Shepparton in 2006, to work in Australia. Subsequently moved to SVHM where I completed my fellowship training in 2013. Since that time I have continued to work at SVHM as a fractional FACEM. Medical interests: Addiction Medicine. I embarked upon an International Program in Addiction Studies (IPAS) during my sabbatical in 2021, and I’m currently at the tail-end of the final semester. I am also the medical student supervisor in the ED at SVHM. Hobbies: distance running; gardening; baking, decorating and eating cakes (luckily I also enjoy running).
Dr Jay Patnam --- Background: From India originally, worked in UK, NSW then moved to St Vincent’s as a registrar in 2011. FACEM since 2016, worked for Shepparton as ½ time and now works full time at StV and few shifts for Frankston Hospital. Medical Interests: ED IT supervision, ED Mentoring programme coordinator, Primary Care Physiotherapist Liaison and assessor. Hobbies: Indian classical music, Sci-fi movies, travelling, culinary interests and spending time with family.
Dr Jessica Robinson --- Background: Grew up in Darwin. Partially reformed Arts student. Med-trained in SA, NT, few months in Ecuador; PGYrs in Victoria. Joined St Vincent’s Feb 2020 as reg (FACEM 2021). Medical Interests: Emergency Psychiatry. Bioethics. Emergency Observational Medicine. Brief Behavioural Intervention in the ED (eg. smoking, diet). Hobbies: literature, classic cinema, gardening, likes catching trains.
Dr Joanne Henry --- Background: From Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. In Victoria since 2006. Trained at St. Vs since 2008 (with the 3 other FACEMs also from the West Indies - we're trying to create a cricket side). FACEM 2017. Works between St. Vs, the Monash and Mercy Health networks, Epworth and Warrnambool! Medical Interests: Representative for ACEM at the Migrant and Refugee Women's Health Partnership Working Group meetings. Primary and Fellowship exam prep. Hobbies: NOT cricket. Foodie. I lift heavy. Outdoor running. Indoor cycling. Dabble in bouldering. Shoe shopping is a hobby - I've made it so. Walking my little rescue dog.
Dr Joel Wilson --- Background: UTAS trained, connected to St Vincent’s since residency in 2007. Medical Interests: Junior medical staff supervision and support. Intern Term Supervisor. Hobbies: Conjurer of spirits - part owner and chief whisky distiller at Animus Distillery. Cheesemaker. Gardener. Happier when it’s raining.
Dr John Smith --- Background: Born and raised in Manchester, England. Studied medicine in Aberdeen, Scotland and moved to Australia in 2011. FACEM since 2021 Works at St Vincent’s and the Austin as well as for a telemedicine company. Medical interests: Medical education including primary and fellowship education, geriatrics Hobbies: Funding my wife and son’s spending habits, coin collecting, cycling, running and being friends with Nick Bailey.
Dr Khe Cia ‘KC’ Leng --- Background: My name is Khe Cia, but most people call me KC. Originally studied at Monash University and graduated MBBS 2011 and later obtained my fellowship of ACEM in 2019. Medical Interests: Throughout my career I have enjoyed teaching and ultrasound. Hobbies: Outside of work I enjoy good food and shopping for clothes and handbags. One day I hope to have a huge walk in robe to display all my handbags
Dr Leonie Marcus --- Background: Grew up and med school in Dusseldorf, Germany (famous for Alt beer) crossed to Australia in 1999 with an Aussie husband, trained through RMH Medical Interests: Trauma, ultrasound works 1/2 here and 1/2 RMH. Chair of ED quality committee. ED Frequent Presenter portfolio Hobbies: Furniture making, horse riding. Pilates- has discovered lack of balance and flexibility and wants to fix it
Dr Mark Rugless --- Background: A Melbourne boy, trained at the Austin and works here and Epworth. Did a 6/12 echo rotation 12 yrs ago, and has developed an unhealthy attraction to the probe since Medical Interests: Ultrasound and echo guru. Go to for small group teaching. Strong ion and ABG expertise. Done lots of ICU and loves sickies. Hobbies: Reconstructs animal skeletons, gardening, two primary school aged children and he rides around with them on scooters. Black humour. Hates possums.
Dr Matthew Kilmurray --- Background: Another Brit abandoning the NHS for a slightly warmer climate. Relocated to Melbourne in 2017. Finished ACEM training in 2023. Medical interests: resuscitation, medical education, and ultrasound. Hobbies: running, winning Monopoly Deal, pretending I play the piano, and most recently parenting
Dr Mike Khoury --- Background: French Canadian. Mix of St. Vincent's and Alfred. Medical Interests: Sustainability, airways, staff well-being and work-life balance. I run the primary program. Hobbies: Wine, lifting heavy things, infinity pools, airplanes.
A/Prof Neil Cunningham --- Background: Transferred from UK to Australia in 1999, worked at St V’s since 2004. Works Tuesdays in the ED – rest of the week taken up with role as Medical Director for St Vincent’s Private Hospitals Victoria: education, research, culture change and clinical director of workforce duties. Medical Interests: Joint dislocations, simulation and teaching, especially human factors, and airway drills. The go-to guy for all dislocations and sports medicine. Do some airway drills at the start of a shift or get a debrief from him after a resus – he’s happy to let you lead. Hobbies: Running with the two Weimaraners, soccer coaching for the three kids, and squeezing in some gym/laksa combination workouts.
Dr Nick Bailey --- Background: In West Sunderland born and raised… I went to Manchester University and then moved to the sunnier shores of Fitzroy. I had a brief hiatus in with Lifeflight in Queensland and now work for St Vs and ARV. Medical Interests: I spend my free time engrossed in the ACEM PHRM Working Group and would be happy to help any trainees who are approaching exams. Hobbies: I like to think that I have hobbies (tennis/cycling/football) but these have largely fallen by the wayside as I saunter begrudgingly into my advanced years. I should also mention that I have two whippets and two childs
Dr Phil Ward --- Background: FACEM 2021, Aus since 2014, the beautiful north-east of England before that. Not related to Sarah. Medical Interests: Process management, morbidity and mortality meeting facilitation, IT and the ED Hobbies: Football (the round one), hiking up big hills, staring contests with the cat
Dr Rachel Goh --- Background: Melbourne born. Reg trained through St V's, new FACEM (2023). Also work at RCH. Medical interests: Med ed, patient communication, PEM. Hobbies: Board games, trivia, reading, hiking
Dr Rory Whelan --- Background: Recent import. Trained in Ireland, specialist since 2017. Works St V’s and Geelong. Travels well. Often found lurking on Twitter. Medical interests: Ultrasound, Global EM, management. Previously, and rather reluctantly, ran a COVID unit. Personal: Married to Helen (surgeon), dad to Domhnall, Oisin and Sophie. Likes gadgets, rugby, good wines, bad sci-fi, and really awful music.
Dr Sarah Ward --- Background: from the UK, been in Aus >25 years, initially did surgical training before seeing the light. Not related to Phil. I work a day at week at the Coroner's court of Victoria giving medical advice to coroners, and also with the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department. Medical interests: education, mentoring, communication, custodial health, vulnerable populations. I try and fit work in around fun with my family (husband and 3 older kids) and friends, which includes: travel, hiking, cycling, eating and skiing, not necessarily in that order.
Dr Stephen Parnis --- Background: Born & bred in West Sunshine, at SVH since 1989. FACEM since 2007. Works at SVH and RVEEH clinically, Company Director. Medical Interests: Former state & federal AMA Leader/recovering media tart. Public Health, Doctors Health, Board Chair of MIGA. The go to person for matters political/industrial/professional. Hobbies: Married to a Paed FACEM (Fiona), 3 gorgeous kids. Cycling (MAMIL with apolgies for the lycra), Bushwalking, regularly suffers from foot in mouth disease
Space & Stuff
Emergency Department Clinical Areas
- Waiting Room
- Triage
- Rapid Assessment Area (RAT)
AA, AB and AC on PAS map
- Resus (R1, R2)
A useful interactive orientation guide for the Resus cubicles can be found on Sharepoint below
https://svhaorg.sharepoint.com/sites/Melbourne-Public-Emergency/SitePages/ED%20-RESUS%20a%20Main%20Page.aspx?csf=1&web=1&e=0EbOni&CID=4c4d51e0-3ea6-4f39-8e1c-e1ad0551c0c6
- Behaviour Assessment Room (BAR)
- Main Cubicles
Cubicles 3-21
Cubicle 12 = isolation room (“12i”)
Main ED Medication Room
- Fast Track
Including Treatment Room (TR), Plaster Room (PL), Eye Room and Chairs (cubicles 22-25 on PAS map)
- Emergency Short Stay (ESS)
ESS Medication Room
- Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health ‘Hub’ (HUB)
- Relatives Room/Interview Room
- X-Ray Room
Non-Clinical Areas
- Handover Room
- Break / Tea Room
- Changing Rooms/Locker Area/Toilets
- Supply Room
- Physio Store Room
- Consultants’ Office
- DEMT Office
- ED Director’s Office
- Nurse Unit Manager’s Office
- Nurse Educators’ Office
- Associate Nurse Unit Managers’ Office
Emergency Equipment
All emergency equipment and supplies can be found via the Location List on the ED intranet site: http://intranet/Departments/Emergency/Pages/Equipment.aspx
A “Where Is It?” booklet can also be found in the Supply Room.
Any equipment/supplies issues should be directed to Sallie Dowdney via e-mail (sallie.dowdney@svha.org .au)
Any medication/pharmacy issues should be directed to the ED pharmacists (Erin or Sally) on ext 4211 during working hours, or to the After-Hours Pharmacist outside of working hours.
Orientation to the equipment available, especially:
- resus equipment
- the Code Blue kit
- transport equipment
- the ultrasound machine
- the paeds trolley
- the procedures trolley
will occur during your ED orientation and throughout Registrar Teaching sessions.
There are regular and frequent opportunities to familiarise yourself with our airway equipment – the ‘Red Team’/Resus Registrar runs through an airway drill with the Airway/Resus Nurse at the commencement of each shift.