Embracing new horizons: Merridy’s journey into aged care

In April 2020, Merridy Baylis transitioned into the aged care sector, bringing with her a wealth of experience as an ICU nurse and senior clinician. Now, she is Resthaven’s Executive Manager Clinical Governance and Operational Excellence.

Recognising the challenges ahead, she viewed this move as an opportunity for growth and meaningful contribution.

“When you take yourself out of your comfort zone, that’s when learning and value happen,” Ms Baylis said.

Joining South Australia’s Resthaven as the organisation’s Senior Manager Clinical Services, Ms Baylis assumed a pivotal role during the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her leadership was instrumental in navigating the evolving clinical needs and ensuring the delivery of high-quality care.​

Ms Baylis’ career is marked by a series of bold decisions. After completing her nursing qualifications and working at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, she expanded her horizons by working in the Middle East, gaining invaluable international experience.

This global perspective enriched her approach to healthcare, emphasising adaptability and cultural sensitivity. The move also helped her meet her husband, and later, start a family.

“I had three goals at that stage – to travel, to get paid well, and to create opportunities for myself. I felt that a move to Saudi Arabia would tick all these boxes,” she added.

Six years abroad helped Ms Baylis take on new education and leadership roles in the health sector, all of which paved the way for her return to Adelaide in 2010.

Ms Baylis returned to the ICU before becoming a Clinical Educator and working in the Transition to Professional Practice Program (TPPP) with ICU specialties. She also worked as an Organ Donor Coordinator for five years, while commencing her Masters in Health Administration.

With this new knowledge, Ms Baylis moved to working with Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) Outpatients (OPD). Here, she assisted outpatient clinics to move from the old Royal Adelaide Hospital to the new Royal Adelaide Hospital, and to centralise operations.

“There was a lot of change management involved in this role, bringing in a systems approach to referral management and working with diverse stakeholders across the public health sector,” Ms Baylis said.

She later became the Nursing Director of OPD, and then the Director. It was in this role that she led the establishment of South Australia’s first COVID testing site, before joining Resthaven some months later.

In December 2024, Merridy was appointed to her newest role, that of an executive at Resthaven.

“The new role comes with a different set of responsibilities, and part of my role is ensuring Resthaven meets the strengthened Quality Standards that will come into effect on July 1,” she added.

“Resthaven is already in a really strong position, but we’re focusing on the systems we currently have, and how we can improve them to meet the Standards and take any opportunity to enhance the lives of older people.”

At Resthaven, Ms Baylis’ commitment to excellence is evident in her strategic leadership and dedication to continuous improvement. Her efforts have significantly contributed to enhancing clinical governance and operational standards within the organisation.

“Aged care is its own specialty. There are a lot of opportunities for career development, as well as a lot of diversity and chances to specialise in areas such as continence, palliative care, dementia and mental health care,” Ms Baylis explained.

“Resthaven is amazing at supporting professional development, and many Resthaven employees have started as Personal Care Workers and have been actively supported to continue their education to enable them to move into other roles.”

Ms Baylis’ journey underscores the profound impact that experienced healthcare professionals can have when they embrace new challenges with passion and purpose.