Yackandandah Health – Aged Care Accreditation
In my update last year, I discussed the introduction of the Aged Care Quality Standards and how residential aged care is assessed and must be able to provide evidence of their compliance with and performance against the Quality Standards from 1 July 2019. I spoke of the large program of work we were undertaking to align our systems, policies and practices with the Quality Standards. Yackandandah Health recently received an unannounced visit by The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and were assessed as compliant against the Quality Standards.
Technology
YH successfully applied for grant funding to enhance our technology platform. Part of the funding has been used to implement eCase, a residential aged care software system. All staff have been trained to use the system and from an organisational perspective, internal auditing will no longer be reliant on paper records. The system now allows us to run reports, manage compliance, view progress notes on screen and provide ease of access to data.
Little Yacks Learning Years
Little Yacks Learning Years (LYLY) continues to expand with the introduction of the three-year- old funded kindergarten program. Enhancements and developments of the service over the last 12 months include external and internal refurbishments. Also, we have submitted an application for a license to increase capacity at LYLY in line with the growing demand within the Yackandandah community.
Medical Centre
YH Medical Centre continues to meet the needs of the growing community. The Nurse Practitioner model has successfully assisted in meeting the demand for medical services in women’s health at Yackandandah.
Chief Executive Officer
John Parkes was appointed CEO in 2020 for a fixed term. The term will come to an end next month in May and John will be departing YH. The Board would like to thank John for his leadership throughout the year. During his tenure, John has managed major projects which include the sourcing and implementation of our residential aged care software, the introduction of the three-year-old funded kindergarten program at Little Yacks Learning Years, reviewing the operational structure and implementing proper internal financial systems of reporting. John’s ongoing support in managing key projects has contributed significantly to progressing our longer-term strategy.
After an extensive search for a CEO with the relevant skills and experience to lead YH, the Board is pleased to announce Andrea O’Neill as our newly appointed CEO. Andrea’s most recent role was CEO at Amaroo Aged Care in Berrigan, NSW. Andrea holds a Bachelor of Business and is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA). Andrea brings strong commercial, local government and not for profit experience that include roles in hospitality management, accounting and aged care that encompass leadership, business development and finance. She has been a Community Councillor with Berrigan Shire and currently sits on the Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) Residential Advisory Committee and has the Board positions in Childcare. Andrea has a thorough understanding of the Aged Care regulatory requirements and was responsible for the management, planning and construction of the independent living units at Amaroo. Andrea will be relocating permanently to Yackandandah with her family and will commence on the 10th of May 2021.
We will be holding an ‘open house’ on the first day of Andrea’s commencement with us on the 10th of May 2021. We are offering morning and afternoon tea in the Care Sanctuary at 10.30am and another session at 2.30pm. All residents, resident families, staff and YH members of the community are welcome. It is a great opportunity to meet the newly appointed CEO. I know Andrea is looking forward to meeting you.
If you are attending, can you please fill the slip out to include your name, the session time and the number of people attending and send it to reception@yackhealth.com.au OR hand a hard copy slip to reception.
Staff Contacts
I am often asked who the first point of contact is at YH. I have outlined the key contacts below:
Care Manager
Nicole Anstis
The first point of contact for people in residential aged care and their families.
Mobile: 0407 373 775
Email: caremanager@yackhealth.com.au
Director Little Yack Learning Years
Sarah Ganeo
All childcare needs and enquiries including enrolments and the kindergarten program.
Mobile: 0477 922 501
Email: littleyacksdirector@yackhealth.com.au
Practice Manager – Medical Centre
Emma Atkin
All services for the Medical Centre.
Phone: (02) 6028 0130
Email: practicemanager@yackhealth.com.au
CEO
Andrea O’Neill
Any enquiries regarding our Aged Care residential accommodation and independent living apartments, finances, the Care Sanctuary and any other business outside the scope of the contacts above.
Mobile: 0482 641 806
Email: ceo@yackhealth.com.au