New care home manager brings healthcare and farming experience
Donna Inwood was ‘born into gumboots’ and has a deep love for both farming and caring.
Donna, who has taken over the role of Care Home Manager at Bupa The Gardens Care Home in Rotorua from Sacha Mountford, grew up on a South Westland District farm. The Southlander has also had an extensive 30 year career in nursing, and clinical management roles.
"I’m thankful to be taking over the role from Sacha who has really done a lot for the residents and team here. There’s a real sense of community in the care home."
With a paddock of 13 grazing Beef Shorthorn and Speckle Park cows filling out the beef unit on her Ngakuru farm, Donna’s schedule will get a little busier soon with the arrival of calves from the end of July.
After nursing training in Palmerston North, management positions in New Zealand District Health Boards, and time working in remote and rural Australian hospitals, Donna admits New Zealand has a high standard of care for older people.
Bupa The Gardens Care Home celebrated receiving its Ministry of Health three year certification audit last year and continues to provide a full and exciting schedule of activities for all its residents.
As Donna says ‘Sacha leaves big shoes to fill’, but is confident her wealth of healthcare experience, including a role as Charge Nurse Manager at Tokoroa Hospital, will enable her to settle into the manager position quickly.
“The care home has been well looked after and I’ll be looking to connect with residents and families over the coming weeks to continue Sacha’s excellent legacy.”
