Lake Taupo Hospice Trust announces new General Manager

Lake Taupo Hospice Trust

Wednesday, 25 November 2015

Lake Taupo Hospice Trust announces new General Manager

Lake Taupo Hospice Trust is pleased to announce that Jeff Bennett will be its new head – starting in December as General Manager.

The 47-year-old has significant senior management and leadership experience in the healthcare and social sectors.

Mr Bennett has held key leadership roles at the Waikato District Health Board for the past 12 years. Since 2007 he has been Executive Director of Mental Health And Addictions Services and prior to that he was General Manager of Older Persons And Rehabilitations Service.

He has also held management positions in the employment and training sector before joining the Waikato DHB. He has an MBA from the University of Waikato’s Management School.

As GM of Lake Taupo Hospice Mr Bennett will oversee 26 employed or contracted staff. He will also work alongside 240 local volunteers to ensure the delivery of daytime palliative care services to around 65 people and their families at any one time.

Trust chairman Alan Vane says the appointment follows a nationwide recruitment search.

“We put the net out far and wide and we’re delighted to announce Jeff Bennett’s appointment. He knows this part of the country well and most importantly has significant healthcare experience that will serve Lake Taupo Hospice very well over the coming years,” he says.

“Jeff understands demographic changes and knows exactly what is coming at us – that is an increasing aging population who are living longer with complex health needs,” says Mr Vane.

“I am extremely excited about the role of GM for Lake Taupo Hospice. The board is committed to supporting, growing and strengthening the organisation for the benefit of those who need its services. Over the years in health management, I’ve had a particular focus on improving service quality and access,” says Mr Bennett.

Mr Vane says one of the many things that appealed to the board was not only Mr Bennett’s extensive experience in the healthcare sector but his success with government funding and contracts as well as working alongside Not-For-Profits, community groups, and the private sector.

“Hospice New Zealand is forever lobbying the Government for greater support, so to have someone like Jeff Bennett heading Lake Taupo Hospice will only add weight to the cause.”

Mr Vane says the GM role delivers a number of challenges, in terms of matching increasing demand with available resources and the need to fund future requirements.

“The issue of funding will only get more important as our services expand to cater for the growing numbers of baby boomers needing daytime palliative care services.

“As a senior member of the Waikato DHB for over the past decade, Jeff well understands funding constraints, DHB contracts, and the many legislative responsibilities, not to mention managing all the paper work that comes with today’s healthcare sector. Rest assured his proven management of health budgets and his well-recognised strategic leadership at Waikato DHB will be put to very good use in Taupo,” says Mr Vane.

Mr Bennett agrees there are big challenges ahead, noting the charitable sector is a highly competitive one and has a number of players operating within it.

“Lake Taupo Hospice must continue to grow its profile and maintain a strong presence in the charitable sector. Securing sustainable funding streams are critical if we are to provide sustainable quality services into a more demanding future,” says Mr Bennett.

The Lakes DHB contract funds approximately 50% of Lake Taupo Hospice operational costs, leaving an unfunded shortfall of approximately 50% which has to be raised in the Taupo district helped by the trust’s two hospice shops and fundraising events.

Another challenge for the new General Manager will be to oversee the hospice’s relocation early next year to its new property at 29 Huka Falls Road – a recent purchase made possible thanks to a private benefactor, Izard Investments Limited - the directors of which are Taupo residents Richard and the late Patience Izard.

“We’ve been in Sunset Street in Hilltop for over 10 years and our existing facilities have become too small to adequately cope with growing demand for daytime palliative care services. The generosity of the Izard family has enabled this move, which will be a lot of work for our management and staff but we’re all really excited,” says Mr Vane.

Mr Vane says the trust was established in 1983 and enjoys significant support from the wider Taupo community. He says the General Manager’s role is critical as he will be the face of the organisation in the community.

“As a board we wanted someone who was a strategic and innovative thinker to take us through what will be some challenging years ahead, someone with senior organisational experience, but who could also carefully build strong community relationships. We’re delighted for the Taupo community we’ve been able to secure this appointment,” says Mr Vane.

Mr Bennett says he’s looking forward to meeting the staff and many volunteers that make Lake Taupo Hospice when he starts as General Manager next month.

www.laketaupohospice.co.nz

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