A fond farewell after eight years

27 May 2020

27 May 2020 

Even in her final days with the organisation, her tally of results has continued in leading our workforce response to COVID-19.

“COVID-19 presented, and continues to present, challenges at a level never seen in our lifetimes and it requires a collective gathering of the minds to work through the unprecedented challenges, but it also presents opportunities,” she said.

“From a workforce point of view, we were able to quickly bring together the expertise of the team to ensure our workforce were cared for and supported during these unprecedented times.

“I think Australia as a country and St John of God Health Care as an employer should be very proud of what we have achieved during this time.”

The outbreak of COVID-19 delayed Rita’s initial planned retirement date in March to the end of May, but she said leaving at this point in time felt right.

“As we enter into the recovery phase of COVID-19, there will be many opportunities for the next group director of workforce to lead. My work is done and I now hand over with good grace, good will and good luck to the next person to continue the evolving journey of St John of God Health Care," she said.

Rita joined the organisation in November 2012, with a clear mandate to establish the Group Workforce portfolio to service all our hospitals and services, and to help prepare the organisation for the commissioning of St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals in 2015.

“Really my challenge was to bring 17 different ways of doing workforce services, harness best practice from across the Group and outside of the organisation, and introduce this across the suite of workforce services,” she said.

“It would be fair to say this was a new concept and challenge for the organisation and one that wasn’t readily embraced initially.”

Her success speaks for itself. The new Group Workforce function supported the transition of St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital to the group in 2014, a similar transition of Hawkesbury District Health Service in 2015 and ensuring the workforce functions supported the opening of St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals on time and on budget.

“The day of opening, when the first patients transitioned across to the new hospital, was a very moving occasion for me. It was very emotional to see all the patients coming in and the support of all of those on the frontline and behind the scenes who made the day occur,” she said.

These tangible achievements are complemented by accomplishments that have helped improve the safety and wellbeing of caregivers and patients including the introduction and successful rollout of the Good to Great Strategy, and the Child Safety Strategy.

Rita is now looking forward to setting in motion her retirement plans which will see her travel (when possible), become fluent in French, continue her studies in politics and adjudicating Irish dance.

She has one wish for her legacy at St John of God Health Care.

“When I started, I was determined that my legacy to this organisation would be that they know and respect the contribution of each manager and each team within the Group Workforce function,” she said.

“Their tireless contribution, tenacity and how they have embraced the St John of God Health Care culture and approach to servant leadership has been commendable.

“The stability of this team, despite the significant challenges we have faced in terms of workload, has allowed us to collectively deliver significant transformational change.”

“It has been very challenging but very rewarding at a personal and professional level.”