2022 winner of the Don Kendell Leadership Award announced

The Don Kendell Memorial Leadership Award is presented annually to an emerging leader who reflects the values of aviation pioneer Don Kendell. Excellence, professionalism and integrity are key attributes as well as the ability to inspire team spirit and lead change.

Kayla was appointed to a maternity leave position in December 2021. Over the course of the year, she has shown great passion, enthusiasm and incredible dedication in this position.

MLHD Chief Executive Jill Ludford said the judging panel decision was unanimous.
“Kayla is a leader who motivates healthcare workers to aim towards excellence in everything they do. She leads by example and is an inspiration for nurses across our District,” Ms Ludford said.

Kayla was nominated by the Holbrook Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) who describe her as a having a holistic, dynamic and inclusive approach to facility management.

“Kayla has worked tirelessly and innovatively to successfully recruit staff across all parts of the facility,” Holbrook LHAC Chair Mandy Locke said. “In a very short period of time she has created an environment that empowers staff through education, leadership and team spirit.”

“She puts the residents and patients at the forefront of everything she does and is continually looking to improve the care and life experience of the residents.”

Some of her contributions toward improving the lives of residents in the Harry Jarvis wing over the past 12 months include:

• coordinating and developing a sensory room to calm or stimulate (as the need may be) residents using a Tovertafel digital system, massage chair, projection images and a light and bubble tower.
• purchasing a new BBQ and Pizza oven to offer diversity of menu to the residents and has encouraged family members to dine with their loved ones.
• redevelopment of the resident’s grounds to improve quality of life including raised garden beds, workbench/potting area for supervised use and the arrival of two chooks for care by the residents.

“From a community perspective Kayla is impressive on all levels, she attends to matters promptly and efficiently, communication with the LHAC is always clear, timely and thorough. She will always make time to meet with the LHAC to address queries or discuss upcoming meetings.”

Kayla provides confident and strong leadership to staff across the Holbrook facility. She is very organised when it comes to any educational or training requirements of the staff, encouraging and providing educational opportunities for the facility’s administration staff in their responsibilities.

“Her leadership style is empathetic, empowering and innovative,” Ms Locke said. “She is able to see the big picture and bring it down to implement at the local level to achieve the best outcomes for patients and residents.