Lyndoch Living adds new execs, quality improvement strategies

Victorian aged care provider Lyndoch Living has appointed a new acting chief executive officer and a new chief financial officer, both of whom commence their roles this week.

Lyndoch Living provides residential and home aged care, retirement living, and disability and allied health services in Warrnambool and Terang.

Acting CEO Ted Rayment takes over from Jamie Brennan who joined Lyndoch Living on secondment from his role of executive director of service development at South West Healthcare four weeks ago.

The role of CEO was left vacant after Lyndoch Living chief Doreen Power took leave following allegations of bullying and intimidation as reported by the ABC in August.

Whilst at Lyndoch Living, Mr Brennan commenced the implementation of 41 specific actions to address non-compliance notices after the provider’s Warrnambool aged care home failed numerous safety standards in three consecutive Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission audits.

Areas of non-compliance included consumer dignity and choice, personal and clinical care, services and supports for daily living, human resources and organisational governance.

Lyndoch Living has since received reaccreditation for the maximum three-year period following recent audits.

Meanwhile, a clinical advisor from Aged Care Advisory Service has been appointed to work with the leadership team to resolve any outstanding issues identified by the quality and safety commission.

Recruitment drive

Mr Brennan has also recruited 40 new team members across a number of clinical and aged care support positions at Lyndoch Living to fill gaps due to regional shortages and a spate of staff resignations.

Lyndoch Living has also received notices from Worksafe Victoria. In response, the provider has initiated a new fatigue management policy and addressed rostering issues. The organisation has also started to implement a new workforce training program.

A number of open forums have also been held allowing staff, residents and their family members to meet with Mr Brennan to provide feedback on what could be improved at Lyndoch Living’s facilities.

In a statement, board president Susan Cassidy extended gratitude and appreciation to Mr Brennan and his team from South West Healthcare. “Their leadership and professionalism have been integral in supporting our team during this time,” said Ms Cassidy. “We are looking forward to carrying this momentum forward under the leadership of our executive team.”

Fresh faces

New acting CEO Mr Rayment is an experienced healthcare professional with more than 30 years as an executive at health and aged care facilities across the country, including Canberra Health Services, the Royal Hobart Hospital and Swan Hill District Health in regional Victoria.

Mr Rayment is joined by a new chief financial officer – Andrew Long, who also arrives at Lyndoch Living with decades of expertise.

The provider is also in the process of appointing an interim director of nursing.

“These new appointments provide ongoing stability for the service and bring additional expertise that will help address the challenges we have been experiencing,” said Ms Cassidy.

Main image: Lyndoch Living in Warrnambool

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