Slide 1
Northern Blood and Cancer Care (NBCC) is an association of clinical haematologists and medical oncologists.

We are highly experienced providers of comprehensive haematology and cancer care services in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, trusted for our high-quality clinical care.

All of our specialists at NBCC have admitting rights at private and public hospitals, and are actively involved in clinical trials, research and education.
Contact us
Slide 1
Northern Blood and Cancer Care (NBCC) is an association of clinical haematologists and medical oncologists.

We are highly experienced providers of comprehensive haematology and cancer care services in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, trusted for our high-quality clinical care.

All of our specialists at NBCC have admitting rights at private and public hospitals, and are actively involved in clinical trials, research and education.
Contact us
Slide 1
Northern Blood and Cancer Care (NBCC) is an association of clinical haematologists and medical oncologists.

We are highly experienced providers of comprehensive haematology and cancer care services in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, trusted for our high-quality clinical care.

All of our specialists at NBCC have admitting rights at private and public hospitals, and are actively involved in clinical trials, research and education.
Contact us
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Accessible

We reliably provide the care you need, when you need it.

Committed

We are committed to achieving the best experience possible for everyone involved, be it our patients and their community, our physicians or our staff.

Compassionate

We treat everyone kindly and our service is delivered with empathy and cultural sensitivity.

OUR TEAM

Dr. Vanessa Manitta

Dr Vanessa Manitta

Haematologist

Dr. Teresa Leung

Dr Teresa Leung

Haematologist

Dr. Frances Barnett

Dr Frances Barnett

Medical Oncologist

Dr Rachel Cooke

Haematologist

Laura Maddy

Dr Laura Maddy

Haematologist

Dr. Richard To

Medical Oncologist

Dr Sarah Wong

Infectious Disease and General Medical Physician

Charlie Basile

Exercise Physiologist

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Our services

Our clinical haematologists have experience in the diagnosis and management of benign and malignant haematological (blood) conditions including:

  • Anaemia and other abnormalities in blood cell counts
  • Thrombosis (blood clots)
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Thalassaemia
  • Iron disorders such as iron deficiency and iron excess (haemochromatosis)
  • Pregnancy-associated haematological issues
  • Myeloma and lymphomas
  • Myelodysplasia and chronic leukaemias

Our medical oncologists have experience in the diagnosis and management of non-haematological cancers (often called solid organ cancers) including:

  • Breast cancer
  • Bowel cancer and other cancers of the gastrointestinal system
    eg pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, oesophageal cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Prostate cancer and other cancers of the genitourinary system
    eg bladder cancer, kidney cancer

FOR REFERRERS

Northern Blood and Cancer Care

Referrals can be made by email or fax

Email

admin@northernbcc.com.au

Fax

03 8437 4284

Please include all relevant investigations such as blood results and histology reports in your referral. Please also include your contact details and provider number.

All referrals will be reviewed by our specialists within one week. If you believe your patient needs an urgent appointment, please mark the referral as “URGENT”. You can also phone reception to request a discussion with one of our specialists.

CONTACT US

Contact Us

Suite 4, Level 2, Northern Private Hospital,
12 Osburn Place
Epping VIC 3076

Telephone

(03) 8408 6000

Fax

03 8437 4284

Email

admin@northernbcc.com.au

Quick Links

Business Hours

  • Monday 09:00-17:00
  • Tuesday 09:00-17:00
  • Wednesday 09:00-17:00
  • Thursday 09:00-17:00
  • Friday 09:00-17:00

Contact

Contact Us

Suite 4, Level 2, Northern Private Hospital,
12 Osburn Place
Epping VIC 3076

Telephone

(03) 8408 6000

Fax

03 8437 4284

Email

admin@northernbcc.com.au

© Copyright 2024 Northern Blood and Cancer Care

Dr. Vanessa Manitta

MBBS(Hons) BSc FRACP FRCPA Clinical and Laboratory Haematologist

Dr. Vanessa Manitta is a general haematologist with experience in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of non-malignant and malignant blood disorders as well as providing advice on abnormal haematological investigations





Special interests
  • Haemostasis and thrombosis, including advice and management thrombosis, bleeding disorders, anticoagulation and thrombophilia testing
  • Perioperative anticoagulation and anaemia
  • Antenatal & Obstetric haematology, including prenatal counseling and investigation of thalassemia/haemoglobinopathy
  • Investigation of iron overload/Haemochromatosis
  • Myeloproliferative neoplasms

Dr. Vanessa Manitta is of Italian background and completed her Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Medicine degree with honours at Monash University Melbourne. She completed her dual fellowship in clinical and laboratory haematology at various tertiary institutions throughout Melbourne, including The Alfred hospital, St. Vincent’s hospital and the Northern hospital. She completed her laboratory training at St John of God pathology in Geelong.

Dr. Vanessa Manitta currently practices as a consultant haematologist and obstetric haematologist /medicine physician at the Northern Hospital, Epping and is actively involved in Northern Health’s thrombosis and obstetric research units. In addition, Dr Vanessa Manitta works at Northern Health Pathology service as a laboratory haematologist reporting blood films and bone marrows.

She is passionate about teaching and is a clinical tutor for Melbourne University medical students.

Dr Teresa Leung

Dr Teresa Leung is a general haematologist with a broad range of clinical Haematology experiences, and has served Melbourne’s northern community for over 10 years. She obtained her Bachelor of Medicine from the University of Melbourne, and undertook her haematology training at institutions including Austin Hospital, (clinical and diagnostic laboratory haematology), as well as the Royal Melbourne Hospital (clinical haematology and bone marrow transplant service).

Dr Leung has a passion for teaching and clinical research. She is an accredited supervisor and clinical examiner for specialist physician trainees at the Northern Hospital, and mentors medical students from University of Melbourne. She regularly presents her clinical research findings at the national haematology conference.

Dr Leung is interested in providing patient-centred healthcare, especially in areas of: blood disorders in older people, low iron or iron overload, advice on abnormal haematological investigations and lymphoproliferative disorders.

Dr Leung has admitting rights at Northern Private Hospital.

Apart from English, Dr Leung also speaks fluent Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese.

Dr Frances Barnett

Dr Frances is a Medical Oncologist with over 20 years experience, based in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, dedicated to ensuring her patients receive the highest quality of personalised cancer care. She was awarded a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (First Class Honours) from The University of Sydney, and then completed her specialty training in Medical Oncology becoming a certified Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2006. She is the Director of Medical Oncology at Northern Health, and also provides cancer care at the co-located Northern Private Hospital.

Whilst Frances is a general medical oncologist, she has a particular interest in breast and gastrointestinal cancers, regularly attending the Breast and Gastrointestinal Multi-Disciplinary Meetings (MDMs) at Northern Health where she works in collaboration with the other health professionals involved in providing optimal cancer care. She is actively involved in the conduct of cancer clinical trials at Northern Health and seeks out opportunities for her patients to participate in clinical trials where ever possible. Frances is an accredited supervisor of trainees for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, and regularly contributes to education programs for medical students and doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals.

Frances is a member of multiple professional organisations including Medical Oncology Group of Australia (MOGA), Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA), Breast Cancer Trials (BCT), Australian Gastrointestinal Trials Group (AGITG), American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO). Outside of work, Frances enjoys spending time with her husband, children and devoted cavoodle.

Dr Rachel Cooke

MBChB, BSc (Hons), PhD, FRACP, FRCPA

Dr Rachel Cooke is Head of Clinical Haematology at the Northern Public Hospital and is co-appointed at the Alfred Hospital at the Plasma Cell Dyscrasia Clinic. She has a special interest in immune-mediated and malignant haematological conditions, in particular lymphoma, myeloma, amyloidosis and chronic leukaemia.

Dr Cooke graduated from the University of Edinburgh and completed clinical and laboratory training at the Austin and Royal Melbourne Hospitals. She attained her PhD “CD4+ T cell fate in Multiple Myeloma” in 2019 through the University of Melbourne at the ACRF Translational Research Laboratory (VCCC). In recent years, she has been working with the Northern team to expand Haematology services and clinical trial provision to patients in the North.

Laura Maddy

Dr Laura Maddy

Dr Laura Maddy obtained her medical degree from Deakin University in 2011 and completed her training in haematology in Victoria at Barwon Health, St Vincent’s Hospital, Austin Health and Northern Health.

She obtained dual fellowships from the Royal Australasian Colleges of Physicians and Pathologists in 2020 and cared for patients in regional Victoria throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Laura enjoys seeing a breadth of haematology cases, both malignant and benign, with a focus on compassionate and patient-centred care.

Dr Richard (Yat Hang) To

Dr Richard To is an experienced medical oncologist committed to providing exceptional care at every stage of a patient’s care journey. He treats all types of solid organ cancer, with a particular focus on gastrointestinal and urogenital cancers.

After completing his oncology training at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, and the Andrew Love Centre at Barwon Health, Richard became a  certified Fellow of the Australasian College of Physicians in 2019.

He then completed an oncology fellowship at Peter MacCallum, specialising in melanoma, gastrointestinal, and gynaecological cancers. Richard continues as a consultant at Peter MacCallum, providing patient care through the Symptom and Urgent Review service.

Passionate about advancing cancer care through clinical research, Richard is an active member of the clinical trials team at Northern Health, focused on making clinical trials more accessible to patients in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.  He also serves as the lead medical oncologist at the Australian Prostate Centre, playing a key role in expanding their clinical trial offerings.

Richard is completing his PhD at the University of Melbourne, where his research focuses on the impact of emerging cancer technologies and treatments on healthcare systems. He also holds post-graduate research and educational roles at the University of Melbourne, teaching other professionals working within oncology. Throughout his clinical and research work, Richards is dedicated to prioitising patient preferences and improving their quality of life.

Dr Sarah Wong

Infectious Disease and General Medical Physician

Dr Wong is an Infectious diseases and General Medical Physician; with a broad interest in common acute and chronic infections, diabetic foot infections, infections in immunocompromised patients, preventative health and medical education.

After graduating in 2002, Dr Wong completed her advanced training at Northern Health, Western Health and Austin Health. She is a visiting General Medical and Infectious Disease physician across several networks including Northern Health, Northern Private, Peninsula Health and Wangaratta Health.

Dr Wong is pleased to see referrals for both Infectious Diseases and General Medical consultations.

Charlie Basile

Charlie Basile is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Exercise Scientist at Northern Rehabilitation & Performance. He has a passion for aiding those through their rehabilitation journey with their chronic disease. He has a history within regional and metropolitan sporting clubs, providing performance and athletic development programs. Currently, he is focused on junior athletic development within a private school community while also contributing to the growth of multidisciplinary teams in the allied health sector. Charlie is dedicated to continuous learning and education in his field.

Charlie has gained valuable clinical placement experience at institutions such as the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Hospital, the Australian Prostate Centre, and North Eastern Rehabilitation Center. During this time, he developed a deep passion for neurological rehabilitation, chronic disease management, and oncology rehabilitation.

Beyond his professional commitments, Charlie enjoys exercise, outdoor activities, and spending time with family and friends. He is passionate about helping his clients achieve their goals and improve their overall quality of life.

Qualifications
He completed his master’s degree: Exercise Science and Rehabilitation (AMEP) – 2024

Bachelor’s Degree: Exercise Science (Clinical Practice) both at Victoria University – 2023

Certificate

  • Accredited Sports Nutritionist – 2024
  • Certified in Sports Massage – 2023
  • Allied Health Assistant – Physiotherapy – 2022

Specialist Areas

  • Cancer Management (Survivorship)
  • Chronic disease management
  • Neurological disorders
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Rehabilitation Pre / Post Op
  • Diabetes Management / Education
  • Male Mental Health
  • Female Health – Pre / Post Menopause
  • Athletic Performance Assessment
  • Weight loss strategies
  • Exercise for children, adults, families, and older adults

Follow this link to make an appointment