THE Mansfield District Hospital (MDH) is celebrating the appointment of a new Director of Clinical Services, with decorated nurse Michelle Spence relocating from Melbourne to Mansfield for the role.

And as Anne Jewitt steps down from the role as she transitions into retirement, the hospital is thrilled that they will retain Anne as a much-valued member of staff albeit part-time.

As a worthy challenge to finish off her illustrious career Anne steps into the newly-created role of Director of Aged Care, overseeing processes and procedures to be implemented when the hospital’s residential aged care facility is complete.

Construction is set to get underway this year on the $62 million redevelopment and refurbishment of Bindaree Retirement Centre, with Buckland House being relocated to the new facility, ensuring all aged care services are under the one roof.

When building is complete and the residents have been relocated Anne then envisages she will hand over the reins.

“The residents currently at Buckland will be moved to the re-developed Bindaree, bringing together 72 residents under the one roof,” Anne said.

“To be at the stage where we are realising this long-held vision for the facility is very exciting for the whole hospital community.

“My job will be to determine best duty of care and practice for the new facility and to put in place those different models of care and changes to how we currently provide aged care.

“We’ve been looking into all the latest technology for aged care, with an emphasis on making the space more home-like, utilising the concept of ‘small households’ with 15 residents in each household having access to their own kitchen, dining room, lounge room, activity room as well as dedicated outdoor areas.”

Anne is relishing the new role, the more specialised focus and the opportunity to commit herself to one last project after close to four decades with the MDH.

From establishing the Cardiac Rehab program, to working with a team to deliver a midwifery model of care program which was implemented by Michelle Meyer, to overseeing quality and safety at the hospital, Anne embraces a project.

“We’re always looking to improve the service and to exceed standards, and to be able to recognise a need and be able to meet it and keep it local is incredibly fulfilling,” she said.

It was in 1988, that Anne moved to Mansfield, transferring from the Dandenong Hospital and continuing her career in midwifery.

Before transitioning into hospital management, antenatal and postnatal care was Anne’s field of expertise.

It remains her passion today, with Anne continuing to upskill in the area, training as a lactation consultant in recent years.

“Even when I was working as the Director of Clinical Services, I was on-call for theatre and I still work with all the new mums and babies,” she said.

“Clinical is why we’re all here, and of course administration has to be done, but I’ve always liked to keep a foot in both camps.

“Every department I’ve worked across coming up through the ranks has been exciting,” Anne said of the local hospital.

“When I left Melbourne I had worked in just the one area, but up here in Mansfield I got to do it all.

“You look after a woman in the antenatal period, then you birth with the woman, and follow through with the postnatal and home visits.

“It’s very rewarding, and it’s great for the community to have that consistency.”

It is the push to keep services and patients local that will be Anne’s greatest legacy, and one that she attributes to the culture instilled within the hospital and exemplified by all the staff.

“It’s been an absolute privilege working with all the incredible people at the hospital, and I’d like to thank the community as well for allowing me to be a part of their lives for so many years.

“Because it’s the community that we are here for,” she said.

Living and working within a regional community is new to Michelle Spence and something she is absolutely embracing.

Michelle joins the Mansfield District Hospital after 25 years at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, 17 years of which was as the Intensive Care Nurse (ICU) Unit Manager, during which time she was recognised for her dedication, commitment and achievements in health.

“I’ve always wanted to live in Mansfield,” Michelle said.

“My husband is from Benalla and he always envisaged coming back to the country.

“We’ve spent a lot of holidays in the shire with the kids.”

It was COVID that forced the family to reset, with Michelle looking to prioritise quality of life.

The face of the Royal Melbourne’s COVID response, Michelle was instrumental in leading intensive care services during the pandemic and increasing ICU capacity, going from 30 to 100 beds.

“There was the constant feeling that we were not moving fast enough, especially when watching what was unfolding overseas,” she said.

“When it did hit the numbers were more manageable than anticipated, however what we weren’t prepared for was our staff getting sick.

“It was pre-vaccination and we had staff very unwell and ending up in intensive care.

“It was very confronting, and it pushed me to re-evaluate life, and when we emerged out the other side it was about putting family first.

“Moving to Mansfield was our dream, so I just kept an eye on jobs and this role became available."

Shortly after the family bought on Howes Creek Road, with the couple’s daughters promised a miniature Highland cow and a new dog to sweeten the deal.

“The idea of having family closer was also a significant drawcard,” Michelle said.

Michelle is relishing the change of pace, moving away from the high adrenalin requirements of working in ICU, to a more considered pace getting to know the community and its needs.

“I’ve never lived in a regional centre before, so I’m still learning how important the hospital is to the community and how important the community is to the hospital,” she said.

“One thing I’ve noticed in particular is how hard-working and dedicated all the staff are here, and what an amazing job everybody is doing.

“There is also that sense of fulfilment and satisfaction that you’re doing a good job, as you see programs and initiatives translate into your own community.

“Working in metropolitan hospitals you miss out on that direct connection.

“Mansfield District Hospital is about the bigger picture and I’m very excited to be a part of it.”

As the Director of Clinical Services, Michelle’s role is to oversee all clinical services within the hospital, from acute care to theatre, midwifery, aged care and supportive community programs.

“From babies being born right through to those at the mature end of their life, it’s amazing to have that scope within my position,” Michelle said.

“And to be able to liase with not just the local GPs but to work closely with other health services, and explore what they are doing across the region ensures we are providing the best service for our community.”

Cameron Butler, Mansfield District Hospital Chief Executive Officer said that the hospital was very fortunate to have both Michelle and Anne.

“Anne has been here for many years,” he said.

“She is incredibly skilled and knowledgeable and greatly respected.

“Michelle too brings great knowledge and experience and has welcomed the change from Melbourne to Mansfield.

“This will prove extremely beneficial as we continue to develop and broaden our range of services to best meet the needs of the Mansfield community irrespective of external pressures.”