Firstly, tell us a little bit about your background that let you to your role as Chief Executive at Anam Cara Geelong?
Born in Melbourne and raised in rural Victoria, I've worked in the sector for over 35 years prior to my role at Anam Cara Geelong. My passion for palliative care began during my years working in oncology and hematology, both in Australia and the UK. I've had the privilege of development and managing inpatient and community palliative care units across Melbourne, and my career has included secondments with the Department of Health, mentoring palliative care nurse practitioners, and designing one of the first nurse practitioner models for Northern Health. I've also worked on standardising opioid conversion guidelines with Eastern Health and contributed to national projects like piloting patient outcome measures with the University of Wollongong. During my time in Melbourne's North West Region, I was honoured to receive the Excellence in Leadership Award in public health.
In recent years, I've taken on roles that focus on rebuilding and strengthening health services, including my work at Djerriwarrh Health Services, where I helped restore clinical governance after clinical failures in 2015. In 2021, I moved to Geelong and joined Barwon Health University Hospital as an after-hours hospital manager, overseeing the operational management of the entire hospital.
When the opportunity to join Anam Cara Geelong arose, I couldn't resist. The unique blend of hospital-grade care and a warm, home-like environment perfectly aligns with my philosophy of putting people at the center of care. I am passionate about ensuring that every individual and their family experience dignity, comfort, and the highest quality of care at the end of life. Joining Anam Cara felt like the perfect way to bring together all my years of experience to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we care for.
For those in our community that don't know - what is Anam Cara Geelong, and what makes it so special?
Anam Cara Geelong is a world-class palliative care hospital providing holistic, compassionate and the highest standards of care to individuals and families navigating life-limiting illness and end of life. What sets us apart is our personalised approach, offering hospital-grade 24/7 care in a warm, home-like environment. We focus on dignity, and quality of life, tailoring every aspect of care to meet individual needs and wishes.
Palliative Care might be considered by some as a very challenging healthcare service to work in - what made you decide to work in this area?
To be able to contribute towards a dignified death, free of sufferance is hugely satisfying as a clinician. People have often asked me how I do my job, when I see people dying every day. It is such a privilege to be invited into the lives of guests and their families at this incredibly intimate time. To walk away, knowing that I may have contributed to a fellow human being's peace at the end of their life is the most rewarding experience. To know that you have respected their choices, relieved their pain and advocated for their dignity - there is nothing else like it.
How do people access Anam Cara Geelong?
Accessing Anam Cara is simple. Referrals can come from a GP, a specialist, family or friend, and even self-referral. Our team is here to guide families through the process, ensuring they understand the support available, whether it's for overnight or end-of-life care, the Living Well Day Program of bulk billed clinical consultations. Click here to make a referral.
How can the BAIE Community support Anam Cara Geelong?
The BAIE Community can make a real difference by donating, volunteering, or even raising awareness about our services. This Christmas, your support through BAIE Wines' checkout donations will help provide everything from small gifts for family carers to essential support equipment for our guests. Together, we can bring comfort and care to those who need it most. You can also donate directly to Anam Cara here.
