SCU student wins aged care award

A Southern Cross University (SCU) student has been recognised for her work in the aged care industry with an Award for Excellence from the Federal Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop.

Ms Devi Ranasingha, a candidate for a Doctor of Business Administration with SCU, received the Award for Excellence in the Aged Care Industry (Professional Development) for her individual drive and commitment to self-education and professional development.

Ms Ranasingha, who works as an aged care nurse and consultant, is focussing her research on providing continuous quality improvements in aged care.

“I have identified that there should be indicators to measure the quality of care if you are going to measure standards objectively. At the moment it is a subjective assessment,” Ms Ranasingha said.

“I have worked as a registered nurse and I do work in the aged care industry as a consultant. The quality of care cannot be improved without establishing indicators to base assessments on.”

As part of her award Ms Ranasingha has received $10,000 which she hopes to use for a study tour of facilities in the United States.

“I was quite thrilled to be nominated and I’m thrilled to receive this award.”

The Minister for Ageing, Ms Julie Bishop, said the awards acknowledged innovation and good practice in staff development and training among aged care providers.

“It is the love, respect and understanding shown by aged care staff that make an aged care facility more than just a building, it makes it a home,” Ms Bishop said.

“These awards pay tribute to the care provided by aged care staff and recognise that working in aged care is a challenging and demanding yet rewarding profession that provides excellent career and professional development opportunities for workers.”

Caption: Devi Ranasingha receives an Award for Excellence in Aged Care from the the Federal Minsiter for Ageing, Ms Julie Bishop.

Media contact: Brigid Veale, SCU Media Liaison, 66593006 or m. 0439 680 748.