Meet Kathryn – AKG’s Transition Care Site Coordinator

Kathryn is a Senior Social Worker and the Transition Care Program (TCP) Site Coordinator for Armadale Kalamunda Group (AKG).

The TCP is available to older people (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over 45 years and all other patients over 65 years) who are ready for discharge from a hospital environment into other kinds of care.

Over the past few years demand and pressure for TCP has seen Kathryn work closely with referring social workers to identify alternative pathways for patients as they transition to outside care.

Hailing from New Zealand, Kathryn is a mum of two adult sons, and three cats – though says she loves all animals! She’s also a keen artist, with one of her artworks displayed in the Social Work Head of Department office.

Beginning her career within WA Health 17 years ago as a Social Worker at Bentley Health Service, Kathryn has worked at AKG for 11 years on the Rehabilitation Ward.

Kathryn says she has always been passionate about doing whatever she can to assist patients and staff.

“My work is led by my strong social work values and ethical framework,” she said.

“As the Site Coordinator, my role includes monitoring the management of patients awaiting transitional care and other aged-care services.”

For Kathryn the EMHS values of kindness and respect are most important, especially when treating older patients – believing it to be an honour to be a part of their healthcare journey.

Kathryn is also the Senior Social Worker on the 40-bed Rehabilitation Ward and works with a team of three other social workers and a welfare officer.

“I’m a social worker because super amazing, multi-tasking, lifesaving miracle worker isn’t a job title,” she said.

Thanks, Kathryn, for the amazing support you give to our patients, staff and hospital!