Being responsible for the welfare of four young sons, 147 residents and 170 staff is no mean feat.
That’s what Sam Sibley encounters most days.
After joining Anglican Care seven years ago as a Registered Nurse (RN), Sam transitioned into a Clinical Care Coordinator before eventually becoming Residential Care Manager (RCM) at Kilpatrick Court.
In her role, she oversees the entire nursing, hospitality and cleaning team at the Toronto-based facility.
“I do a lot of clinical assurance and care oversight, assist with resident care needs, consult with residents and their families, maintain facility budget and rosters, and provide education and support to ensure the team is equipped to do their job,” she says.
“I’m supported by our Clinical Care Coordinators, team leaders, care assistants, as well as our admin and hospitality staff, all working together to improve the lives of the people we support.
“We organise theme days as a little incentive to help staff have fun at work.
“It brightens the resident’s day to see staff in different outfits and having a good time.
“We also have these themed days and events to help build rapport between staff and residents. I am passionate about creating a positive workplace and culture.”
Sam’s passion for continuous improvement, as well as the dedication of her team and other leaders within Newcastle Anglican, has led to deserved recognition.
A recent site audit by the Australian Government’s Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission produced a glowing report, with 42 out of 42 quality standards met.
The result was a huge team effort from staff on site, as well as People and Culture, Quality and Risk, Clinical Support Officers, Director of Assurance – Quality and Risk Jodie Gardiner, and Director of Residential Aged Care (RAC) Karina Peace.
“There’s been a huge change to the way Anglican Care operates and that’s had a positive impact on the services,” Sam says.
“For us to receive 42 ‘mets’ [in the report] is a fantastic achievement. We’ve worked hard as a team to get where we needed to be, and I am incredibly proud.
“A lot of plans for continuous improvement were put in place and staff embedded what we needed to do clinically to make sure our care was a high standard.
“There were so many people involved in it and we’re grateful that they’ve been able to assist.”
When she’s not leading from the front at Kilpatrick Court, Sam enjoys spending time with her sons – Mason, George, Oliver and Jude – and her husband, as well as going to the gym, beach, boating, and camping.
Click here for more from Encounter: Christmas 2024.