HammondCare has appointed Jenny Summerton as its new Executive General Manager Residential Care, following an extensive national search.
Ms Summerton, who has already been acting in the role for the past three months, will oversee 18 dementia care villages and homes across New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
HammondCare Chief Executive Officer Andrew Thorburn praised Ms Summerton’s leadership and expertise, citing her deep understanding of dementia care and commitment to relationship-focused clinical care as key factors in her appointment.
“Her passion for our mission, extensive knowledge and experience in
dementia care, along with leadership experience in frontline clinical residential care, truly set her apart,” Mr Thorburn said.
“Jenny will bring practical and clinical expertise to the role after a diverse
career spanning residential aged care, and scientific diagnostics and research.”
Ms Summerton’s appointment comes after the highly experienced Angela Raguz departed HammondCare, bringing an end to her 17-year journey with the organisation. Ms Raguz now heads up the aged care care department for the Salvation Army Australia.
A Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree, Ms Summerton’s professional career started with SA Pathology, where she worked in microbiology/infectious diseases clinical diagnostics for 16 years.
After completing her Registered Nurse qualifications in 2013, the South Australian joined St Paul’s Lutheran Homes before becoming the organisation’s clinical care manager in 2015.
Ms Summerton previously served as National Program Manager for Dementia Support Australia after crossing into the dementia care space, progressing through the ranks before stepping into the interim Executive GM role at HammondCare.
Her priorities will include expanding the organisation’s national presence and driving innovation in person-centred dementia and palliative care.
“I’m honoured to lead Residential at HammondCare, building on our strong foundation of relationship-focused care,” she said.
“It’s a privilege to work with a team so dedicated to improving the lives of residents, especially those with complex dementia needs,” she said.
