Award for Craig
Sydney’s Montefiore Home’s Assistant in Nursing (AIN) Craig Goldsmith, is the winner of this year’s Leading Age Services Australia NSW-ACT HESTA Nominate a Care Staff Member Competition which recognises dedicated staff in the aged care industry.
Craig joined Montefiore 18 months ago and works in the Special Care Unit and Monte Terrace at the Randwick Campus.
Craig Goldsmith
Craig was nominated for challenging management and questioning the practical application of the ‘Living with Dementia’ training. “My request had obvious implications on the other departments such as Catering, Allied Health, Hairdressing and the like, especially with timing and resourcing,” said Craig. “However, the departments embraced the idea and trialled it to find the residents much happier and more relaxed. In fact the entire unit benefited from the changes. Staff were happier, less stressed, less hurried and felt the residents’ personal care was not compromised.”
“Craig’s proposal was the catalyst for change and the evolution of Montefiore’s ‘For Life’ Program that has resulted in delivering true person directed care for residents in the high and low care dementia units,” said Janine Grossman, Montefiore’s Director of Professional Services. “The success of the trial has now led to a companywide rollout of the program.”
“Montefiore is proud of Craig’s achievement and he is a deserved winner of this award,” said Andrea Van Gramberg, Executive Care Manager, Special Care Unit and Monte Terrace. “Craig is a humble team member. He works in a physically, emotionally and mentally draining environment yet thrives when giving to his team and the residents. He is always looking for solution focused ways to improve any situation.”
Craig stated that there were two defining factors that motivated him to join the aged care industry. “Firstly, my grandmother was a carer but always wanted to be a nurse if she had the opportunity. It is an honour to for me to be an AIN and make her dream come true. Secondly, I was the primary carer for a friend who had cancer for 4 years. During this time I had acquired a love for caring and giving back to the community.”
Craig added, “I am genuinely passionate about the work I do. It is a privilege and honour to work with the Montefiore community and make a difference to the lives of the elderly.”
