2023-24 Annual Review
Our People
Little Company of Mary Health Care Board
As we find ourselves emerging from the pandemic recovery phase, Calvary Health Care is actively adopting strategies to retain and build on the trust of the communities we serve. All the while we are redefining how we continue to deliver sustainable high quality healthcare that responds to the changing needs of the Australian population, and ultimately what the organisation will look like in the future.
The role of private health providers has never been under more scrutiny as funding models and regulatory governance tries to respond to the complex needs of an ageing population, a growing desire to receive care in the home, as well as an increasing need for improved access to healthcare choice in areas outside of capital cities. Our Little Company of Mary Health Care Board remains committed to the view that Australia is best served by a healthcare system delivered in partnership by public and private providers.
We are still very much focussed on our mission of Being for others and it is because of this that the Board has supported the re-evaluation and reprioritisation of some earlier decisions, to ensure the delivery of our strategic vision longer term. Our refocussed strategy to deliver great, connected care, will prioritise caring for our communities where and how they desire as best as possible, while also ensuring there is a connected service within the Calvary Care System to support them as their healthcare needs change.
This year, it was wonderful to see the ongoing investment in Calvary’s assets and infrastructure. The expansion of mental health services at Hyson Green, the modernisation of oncology services at the Connery Centre, the extension of George Vowell Residential Aged Care and the new home of cancer clinical trials and research at Calvary Mater Newcastle are all examples of supporting the needs of our communities and our people who work in those environments. Add to this the investment in technology, and Calvary is well-placed to deliver contemporary care into the future.
Meanwhile, external social, financial and governance influences have led to the closure of three aged care homes, a reconsideration of private hospital infrastructure planning, as well as adopting new models of care and workforce models. Some of these decisions have been difficult, but future-proofing the organisation is our objective.
Our Board also experienced some change in the past year. We farewelled Pat O’Sullivan and David Catchpole, welcomed David Issa, and Lucille Scomazzon was appointed deputy Chair.
Together we are grateful to those who work across Calvary’s hospitals, aged care, independent living, home care and virtual care services, continually putting our patients, residents and clients at the heart of everything you do. Thank you also to the National Executive Leadership Team and the Calvary Ministries Trustees.
Jim Birch AM
Chair
Little Company of Mary Health Care Limited
Our people
Calvary Ministries
“We have a power within us of doing good, of living our lives for God and the good of those around us.” - Venerable Mary Potter
Every year, I witness the compassionate dedication and constant will to adapt to change across Calvary Health Care. The significance of this commitment to the Spirit of Calvary has been remarkable again this past year and reminiscent of our founding six Sisters, who embraced change across the communities they served, seeking opportunities to further the mission of Being for others.
During this year, I was delighted to learn of the National Mary Potter 2023 Individual Award recipient Ram Madarajh. He is a Calvary North Adelaide Hospital Registered Nurse and his nomination read: “Ram’s dedication is exceptional and his strong sense of responsibility is contagious. He has become a beacon of hope, inspiring others to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve each day”. To lead others on our mission is truly inspiring and Ram’s commitment to excellence and innovation is something to be embraced by many across the organisation.
Meanwhile, the recognition of the Mums and Bubs volunteer group at Calvary John James Hospital being awarded the National Mary Potter 2023 Team Award for supporting post-natal women is an astonishing representation of the mission of Calvary spilling into our community and inspiring others to give back to their Calvary service. This truly reflects how the Spirit of Calvary can connect people.
This year we have seen Calvary grow and reshape services in many places across the country to meet the ongoing and increasingly complex healthcare needs of Australians. Nationally, we are on the cusp of reshaping home care, a historical nod to the home nursing beginnings of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary when they first arrived in Sydney in 1885. By embracing new technology Calvary will digitally enable a home care service connecting clients to the Calvary Care System and bring to life the strategic vision of great, connected care.
In other places we have seen great change, while still reflecting the legacy of our founding Sisters. In the ACT, where we are still recovering from the acquisition of the public hospital we once operated, our Calvary Bruce Private Hospital has expanded much-needed mental health services at Hyson Green. Calvary’s rich history in providing mental health services began in NSW in 1894.
In Adelaide, we are continuing to build on Calvary’s 120-year plus history in the state, with the opening of the Connery Centre. This is providing oncology care to a growing region of South Australia, and is another step in ongoing plans for a new hospital to serve the northern districts community in Elizabeth.
Calvary Ministries continues to be buoyed by the ongoing work to improve the models of care across Calvary services and the innovative thinking of our people and volunteers. On behalf of all of the Trustees, thank you for your inspirational and unwavering commitment to our mission.
Hon Michael Lee
Chair
Calvary Ministries Trustee Board