Aged care provider Wesley Mission Queensland has started 2021 with health services veteran Jude Emmer in the new chief executive officer role.

Joining Wesley Mission Queensland from St Vincent’s Care Services, Emmer brings with her extensive experience in management and leadership across the health and community sectors having been CEO and Director of Clinical Services of many major hospitals in south east Queensland.

Emmer’s experience in the health sector includes St Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital, Noosa Hospital and Greenslopes Private Hospital.

Emmer said she understands the importance of continuing Wesley Mission Queensland’s long history of missional and social justice work, while driving the organisation’s growth and fiscal sustainability in a competitive aged care and NDIS environment.

“As the first provider of residential aged care in Queensland, Wesley Mission Queensland is an organisation people know and trust. Thousands of people each week turn to us to care for their loved ones, whether that’s in aged care, retirement living, disability care or child care,” Ms Emmer said.

Emmer also said she was drawn to Wesley Mission Queensland because of its large scope of services and proven ability to make a difference to the lives of so many people.

“It’s an organisation synonymous with compassion and social justice, known for providing exceptional care and support to vulnerable people, when they need it most. Since 1907 Wesley has been at the heart of Brisbane City for people to turn to in times of crisis.”

Looking for opportunities for the organisation, Emmer said there is incredible potential and geographical reach across Queensland to be able to further support communities.

“I’m excited to see how we can continue to use the vast expertise of our dedicated and passionate staff and our innovative approach to support people with mental health programs and disability services and to continue to advocate for more aged care funding for residential aged care and home care packages to give our elders the care they deserve,” Emmer said.

“It’s a tough environment for many of our staff, clients and families as COVID-19 becomes our new normal, however as we have seen, communities are responding enthusiastically with support and admiration for frontline health and community workers. As Queensland and Australia emerges from this pandemic and as we look to the outcomes of both the aged care and disability Royal Commissions the services of an organisation like ours will be critical in supporting our communities to recover and flourish,” she said.