McLean Care - Big Awards in Regional Excellence for Regional People

After having won last year’s Aged and Community Services (ACS) NSW & ACT State Awards for Excellence for ‘Organisation’, leading Aged Care provider, McLean Care, has again been recognised in this year’s awards in both of their nominated categories – ‘Employee’ and ‘Trainee’, at a presentation ceremony held at Doltone House - Hyde Park, Sydney on 21st of June 2015.

Jacqui Flood receiving her award

The ‘Employee’ award recognises the dedication and contribution of an individual employee in the delivery of services to older people and people with disability. This year’s winner was McLean Care’s Physiotherapist, Jacqui Flood.

“In a market, compliance and ’minimum standard’ driven environment, there is no job description or role delineation that could ever adequately describe what this person does, every day, in pursuit of the enrichment of the lives of others, and we had no hesitation in nominating her for this year’s Employee of the Year Award.” said Rose Wild, Human Resources Manager for McLean Care.

 “Jacqui is unique. She is a woman who goes outside the accepted minimums and norms to excel in care provision across the whole range of services that we provide in both our Community and Residential services, as well as to our Staff. She leads a dedicated multi-disciplinary health team, and was instrumental to the development and implementation of McLean Care’s award-winning Bush Compass Program.”

“Jacqui goes out of her way to live and honour the McLean Care values, and is an inspiration to her colleagues and her clients. We are proud of her compassion, her resilience, her dedication and professionalism, and the valuable person-centred services she provides across the spectrum of care. Congratulations Jacqui, and thank you for being part of the McLean Care family.”

In accepting her award, Jacqui said “I am grateful to ACS for recognising the work that is being done in Aged Care. I have a passion for making a difference in the lives of our older population, and feel privileged to be able to work for McLean Care, an organisation that thinks outside the square. I am most grateful to our CEO, Sue Thomson, and Senior Leadership team of Sarah, Mel and Gail who never ask "What are you doing or thinking?", but always "How can we make this happen!" I also appreciate the support of our whole team in residential and community; together we are making a difference in people's lives.”

“I was so humbled to be acknowledged by my nomination for this award; I mean, this is just what I do, and I get such joy in being able to make a difference in the lives of others, so I guess being good at what you do comes easily when you really enjoy what you do. To actually win the award, surrounded by my Mclean Care colleagues and friends; the whole experience was simply overwhelming.”

“One of the most rewarding parts of the experience, however, was to be there to witness young Jarred McClellan, Mclean Care’s School Based Trainee, accept his well-deserved award for ‘Trainee of the Year’ Jacqui continued.

Jacqui and Jarred at the awards ceremony

Jarred McLellan is a School Based Trainee in year 12 at Ashford Central School, who is undertaking a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations, a TAFE New England TVET course. Jarred attends McLean Care one day per week plus school holidays, under the supervision of Sean Read, Manager of Property and Hotel Services, as part of his course work placement requirements, and undertakes his TAFE theory component at school.

“Jarred has been working with us here in Hotel Services for just over a year, and I have been his supervisor since around September 2015. This traineeship, which is offered by TNE, has given Jarred the opportunity to explore a career in Hotel Services in the Aged Care industry; even in the short time that he has been with us, he has really become part of the McLean Care team.” said Sean Read.

“Jarred has had some life challenges, but he hasn’t allowed these to deter him from giving his absolute best. This opportunity has really brought Jarred out of his shell, and has been a bit of an eye-opener for him, I feel. He has gone from shy and unsure to gaining valuable life and work skills which now see him embracing responsibilities, he has become an integral part of the team, and there is bright hope for his future. We are very proud of what he has achieved, and this award is very much deserved.”

Mclean Care is owned and inspired by the community to focus on people, and is always looking for ways to enhance the services they provide, and the people who provide them, that will contribute to a fulfilled and positive ageing experience. Ageing can be both exciting and challenging, and understanding that each person is an individual, the environment of care and support is continually developed to provide opportunities, services, staff and infrastructure to support and nurture individual needs.

Mclean Care’s aligned management, operations, strategy and culture has enabled them to achieve this level of excellence. There is a palpable culture of leadership and mutual respect, with a powerful focus on the people that are McLean Care – the residents, clients, employees, volunteers, and contractors – McLean Care culture is worth belonging to.

Sue Thomson, Chief Executive Officer