In the late 1980’s Palliative Care was often considered ‘new age.’ During this time, Margaret was responsible for the initial development of the successful community Palliative Care Service in Benalla. Medical and nursing staff were sceptical of moving end of life care from hospital to the community, however witnessing, as a registered nurse, the experience of people receiving in hospital care for weeks, away from loved ones, prior to their death, palliative care offered a more compassionate option.
Margaret was employed for eight years as the Quality Manager at Benalla Hospital. This required a clear, working understanding of accreditation requirements, risk management and governance.
She then accepted the position of Chief Executive/Director of Nursing of ‘Cooinda,’ a not for profit community for older people, a position she held for 11 years, All at Cooinda worked with values consistent with PCV’s values of respect, empowerment, integrity and compassion. In this role Margaret was able to ensure a strong team focus on compassionate and excellent symptom management of end of life care to older people many of whom were living with dementia.
As Chief Executive, she worked very closely with the Committee of Governance ensuring all aspects of the organisation, clinical care, risk management, staff culture, strategic direction, finances, public profile and marketing were managed astutely. During this time Margaret also completed and graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course. In 2018 Cooinda was awarded the Aged Care facility of the year by Leading Aged Services Australia.
In 2020, following moving to Point Lonsdale, Margaret joined the Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine (CHoB) Management Committee. CHoB, a community based organisation trains, supports and coordinates volunteers. She has been involved, with other Committee members in providing this education. Through the commitment of the volunteers, CHoB provides support to people with a life limiting illness who live on the Bellarine. CHoB provides education to community members on death, dying and bereavement and the role of volunteers. Margaret continues to work 2 days per week reviewing aged care facilities and making recommendations to improve care to older people.