In this post, we spotlight Alyson Jarrett, Deputy CEO at Whiddon, who has been recognised as the 2024 Future of Ageing Awards’ Leader of the Year. This prestigious award recognises a senior executive in aged care who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence in the industry over the past two years. Results were unveiled at a presentation dinner in Sydney on August 29…To view all of the winners…
Over the past two years, Alyson has had a profound impact at Whiddon, transforming its services and workforce, while championing positive and inspirational leadership. With more than 35 years of experience as a Registered Nurse specialising in acute, aged, and community care, Alyson’s leadership has been pivotal in driving Whiddon’s mission to enhance the quality of life for residents, clients, and staff.
Her commitment to improving care delivery, fostering innovation, and achieving financial sustainability has helped set new benchmarks in the aged care sector.
“Evidence of leadership in care excellence and sustainabilty”
2024 Future of Ageing Awards judge
Leadership and Workforce Empowerment:
Alyson’s appointment as the ACCPA representative on the Department of Health and Aged Care Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Reference Group highlights her role as a respected leader in the sector. Her involvement in shaping the future of aged care nursing has further elevated Whiddon’s reputation for excellence.
Alyson’s leadership in expanding Whiddon’s Home Care program has been particularly significant. In just two years, service hours have increased by over 2,500, with a 100% growth in profitability. This expansion has improved access to high-quality care for more residents, directly benefiting their health and well-being.
One of Alyson’s key achievements was the re-launch of Whiddon’s Relationship Based Care (RBC) model, which ensures that each resident receives personalised, consistent care. By appointing dedicated managers, coordinators, and resident buddies across Whiddon’s 23 care homes, she has reinvigorated the RBC approach, ensuring that all residents feel seen, valued, and cared for. Her leadership in this area has improved both the quality of care and staff engagement, resulting in stronger relationships between staff and residents.
Innovation in Care:
Alyson has also been instrumental in driving innovative projects, including the pioneering pharmacogenomic testing trial in collaboration with the University of Sydney and MyDNA. This initiative aims to tailor medication based on residents’ genetic profiles, improving the efficacy of treatments and reducing adverse side effects. This trial is set to enhance the quality of life for many residents while optimizing medication use in aged care settings.
Additionally, Alyson implemented PainChek, an AI-based facial recognition tool used for pain assessment in residents who may struggle to communicate their pain levels. Since its rollout, 80% of Whiddon’s registered nurses have been trained, and pain assessments have increased by 50%, ensuring better pain management for residents.
Financial Sustainability:
Alyson has led several initiatives aimed at ensuring financial sustainability at Whiddon. Under her leadership, Whiddon’s Home Care program has grown significantly, delivering over 13,000 hours of service in May 2024, contributing to over 100% growth in profitability. She also played a crucial role in managing staffing costs, reducing agency expenses by $1 million by renegotiating contracts and implementing a centralised staffing portal.
Her leadership continues to drive Whiddon forward, shaping it as an innovative and compassionate leader in the aged care sector.
