Kate Hayward says taking on the role of general manager at RM Begg Kyneton Aged Care is like coming home.
The Woodend resident began working as a cleaner, food services assistant, part-time cook and a personal carer at RM Begg in the late 1980s before undertaking her nursing training in the 1990s.
“RM Begg is very dear to me. I worked here as a young woman, my father lived here, and there are people still working here now who I worked with in the early days,” Ms Hayward said.
She said her former boss, and long-time RM Begg CEO Sarah Collier had been a great mentor who encouraged her as a young worker to pursue a career in nursing.
Since then, Ms Hayward has worked at various aged-care facilities in the private and not-for-profit sectors and has more than 16 years’ experience as a general manager.
Ms Hayward was instrumental in the commissioning of the 145 bed Royal Freemasons Aged Care facility in Bacchus Marsh a few years ago.
“It’s a privilege to be back and be able to ensure RM Begg Kyneton Aged Care continues to provide excellent care for our residents,” she said.
“It has always been the facility of choice in the Macedon Ranges.”
Ms Hayward said she acknowledged the challenges that RM Begg faces and would love to see the facility remain a standalone organisation, but was open minded when it came to change and confident the current board would make the right decisions about RM Begg’s future.
Ms Hayward began her new role on March 7.
