REDHS chief executive Mary Manescu speas at the 2025 REDHS annual general meeting.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Rochester and Elmore District Health Service held its annual general meeting on Monday, December 1.
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The meeting saw a decent turnout, with community members and staff alike in attendance.
REDHS chief executive Mary Manescu said the meeting was a chance to reflect on the past and look to the future.
“We are back on-site for the first AGM since 2022,” she said.
“Our aim this afternoon is really to reflect on our journey today.
“To celebrate our progress since returning, highlight some key initiatives which our team will showcase today, recognise the contribution of our staff, volunteers and others, as well as hear from our board chair some very important announcements.”
As part of the 2024-25 Report of Operations, staff reflected on the programs they had delivered throughout the year.
Mebin Babe and Jacinta Masters highlighted the success of the REDHS Podiatry Service, established in response to a region-wide podiatrist shortage.
Through the ‘Foot Care Model’, staff have obtained certification in basic foot care, enabling them to support more than 700 clients.
Jacinta Masters and Mebin Baby talk about REDHS Foot Care Model.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Meaghan Douglas and Sally Mackrill then spoke about the Transition to Practice Model for enrolled nurses.
The scholarship program has helped REDHS healthcare workers progress into enrolled nurse roles, strengthening the local workforce.
The final presentation came from the Yalukang Aged Care team, which showcased its Community Connections program.
This initiative pairs aged care residents with students from Rochester Secondary College, helping to bridge the intergenerational gap through social connection.
Following the staff’s presentations, chair Chris White presented the new strategic plan for 2026-28.
The plan sets out REDHS’s vision and purpose, how it will achieve them and will be anchored by three key pillars — ‘our people, our services and our future’.
Chris White made important announcements at the meeting.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Mr White said work on the proposed flood levee had moved to the next stage, with an expression of interest scheduled for release next month, followed by a formal tender process.
In additional exciting news, Mr White officially shared plans for the hospital’s accommodation project.
The project will see the development of a hospital accommodation hub featuring five single bed units at 14 Village Dve, near the current education centre building.
Mr White said the board was grateful to all the people who had supported REDHS in the past year.
“As Mary (Manescu) mentioned earlier, this past year has been one of resilience, renewal and remarkable achievement,” he said.
“On behalf of the board, I want to sincerely thank our staff, our volunteers, our executive team and our community ... your commitment has ensured REDHS continues to deliver and support even in the most challenging circumstances.”
The meeting concluded on a celebratory note, with 11 staff members acknowledged for their years of committed service.
Long-serving REDHS volunteers were also recognised on the day, each receiving a certificate of appreciation.
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