1990

In 1990, new staff members were a welcome addition to Resthaven. Administrator, Kelvin Dickens, was relieved of some of the more detailed financial pressures by the appointment of a Finance Manager in February 1990. The finance department incorporated purchasing, accounting and financial management.

In April that same year, Resthaven took the historic step of appointing its first male Director of Nursing—Norman Clarke.

The 1990 Badge Day, held on 12 January, raised a total of $18,297. Proceeds were directed towards establishing an upgraded communications system for staff.

To ensure employees stayed up to date with the latest practices, a comprehensive staff development project was undertaken. The continuing professional education program was introduced in the form of a one-year certificate course in Gerontic Care, in partnership with Flinders University. The course was offered over two semesters: (1) Health Counselling and (2) Service Provision for Healthy Ageing.

“A course with such high calibre lectures has not been offered before within aged care facilities in South Australia. The wealth of information exchange can only lead to more confident, knowledgeable and enriched staff.” — Marion Maguire, Staff Development Coordinator.