Kayla Hill (left), Deputy Manager of Holbrook Health Services, was presented with the prestigious Don Kendell Memorial Leadership Award by 2021 recipient Dr. Megan Farrell, Riverina Specialist Anesthesiologist. Photo: MLHD.
The facility’s deputy manager was awarded the highest honor by the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) for the significant improvement in quality of life for Holbrook Health Services high care residents.
Kayle Hill was appointed to her maternity leave position in December 2021 and was presented with the annual Don Kendell Memorial Leadership Award just 11 months later.
A highlight of the MLHD’s annual calendar, the award was established in 2002 in recognition of local aviation pioneer Don Kendell for his leadership contributions to Greater Murray Health Area Services at the time.
For more than 20 years, it has been awarded to staff who demonstrate exceptional leadership, who inspire excellence, professionalism, integrity and team spirit, and the ability to lead change.
The presentation of the 2022 Awards concluded last week’s MLHD Annual Open Conference with a keynote from Dr. Megan Farrell, 2020 winner and Riverina’s local specialty anesthesiologist.
MLHD CEO Jill Radford said the jury’s decision unanimously awarded Hill with the 2022 honor.
“Over the past year, she has demonstrated great passion, enthusiasm and incredible dedication in this role,” Radford said.
“Kayla is a leader who motivates healthcare professionals to strive for excellence in everything they do,” she said. .”
Kayla Hill (right) and fellow health services nurse manager Jenny Roach are hard at work at Holbrook’s medical facility. Photo: MLHD.
Hill was nominated by the Holbrook Community Health Advisory Committee (LHAC). LHAC says it takes a holistic, dynamic and comprehensive approach to facility management.
Her contributions to improving the lives of Harry Jarvis Wing residents over the last 12 months include:
- Using the Tovertafel digital system, massage chairs, projected images, towers of light and bubbles to calibrate and develop sensory chambers (as needed) to calm and stimulate the occupants.
- We purchased a new BBQ and pizza oven to offer our residents a diverse menu, and encouraged families to dine at Wings with their loved ones.
- Redevelopment of resident grounds to improve quality of life, including elevated garden bed, workbench/potting area for supervised use, and arrival of two chalks for resident care.
Holbrook (LHAC) Chairman Mandy Locke said Hill has worked tirelessly and innovatively to successfully recruit staff across all parts of the facility.
“In a very short period of time, she has created an environment that empowers her staff through education, leadership and team spirit,” she said. We are always looking to improve the care and living experience.”
Locke said that from a community perspective, Kayla has been impressive on all levels, responding to issues quickly and efficiently. She provided clear, timely and thorough communication with LHAC and always made time to respond to questions and discuss upcoming meetings.
“Her leadership style is empathetic, empowering and innovative,” said Locke. “She can see the big picture and implement it at the local level to achieve the best outcomes for patients and residents.
Hill was selected from 18 nominees for the 2022 award, a number that Jill Radford said is very difficult to judge.
And even Hill, who received the award, said she couldn’t believe she was on the list of nominees, and said she was surprised.
“I am humbled and shocked, but I would not have been able to do this without the support of my incredible team,” she said.
