Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT has been recognised by Catholic Health Australia with the 2022 Award for Leadership in Positive Ageing for its COVID-19 plan and resident-centric decision-making.

The Not For Profit provider’s COVID-19 Navigation plan, based on best-practice infection prevention and control protocols, was praised for clinical excellence. Southern Cross Care’s CEO, Helen Emmerson RN, said the provider is proud to be both run and led by nurses as a “defining point of difference”; both she and Chief Operating Officer Gaynor Squillacioti are registered nurses.

“I am incredibly proud of every Southern Cross Care staff member. They have consistently gone above and beyond to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents and clients throughout the pandemic.

“Our COVID-19 Navigation plan minimised the need to furlough staff during outbreaks and helped prevent significant transmission. Our team has the necessary training, resources and support in place to manage COVID-19 confidently,” she said.

Also acknowledged was SCC NSW & ACT’s multi-layered engagement model, which Helen says puts residents front and centre in decision-making.

“We believe we are leading the way in the sector on engagement and purposeful living, and our homes are proof of that.

“Our leisure, lifestyle and engagement programs are resident-led and we are currently deepening this engagement. This gives our residents the confidence to continue doing what brings them joy and purpose,” she said.

Both Helen and Gaynor were seen working on the floor at SCC NSW & ACT homes earlier this year.