SOUTHERN Cross Care Broken Hill has farewelled Bernard Nankivell, who finished his two-year tenure as CEO of the aged care and retirement facility on October 11, welcoming a new regional general manager amidst positive recent accreditation results.
Larni Baird began the role of regional general manager at Southern Cross Care on September 30, boasting a varied background in psychology, local government and aged care.
Mr Nankivell, who first worked at the facility which harbours St Annes and Harold Williams Home in 2020, said the role “can be really hectic, you can have a tough time and find a lot of areas very stressful”.
The facility, which according to Mr Nankivell is around “90% Federal Government funding” has had its challenges amidst staff shortages and the whole aged care environment “changing rapidly in the wake of the Royal Commission”.
“We took over at a time when the organisation was under a lot of stress. Systems and processes were failing and that led up to some pretty horrendous accreditation results,” Mr Nankivell said.
“But when you work with really good people, they carry you through.
“That’s the enjoyment I’ve had, and the fact that I think I have made a difference and contributed to our community.
“At the end (of my role) I have realised how important that is to me. That’s where I’ve got my enjoyment from – feeling that I’m helping other people and being part of a tremendous team.”
Ms Baird said her first focus was getting to know everybody, building key relationships and listening to make sure that she “understands the needs, what’s in place and support moving Bernard’s legacy forward”.
A legacy that has achieved near perfect results, as released by SCC in September, with an interim report confirming that St Anne’s successfully met 41 out of 42 quality standards following a recent reaccreditation assessment by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
When queried on efforts to improve press of the facility, Ms Baird said, “in terms of that public image. I think it’s more important to actually focus on doing the job well, feeling confident and building that trust internally and with the community”.
