About me

Originally from Scotland, I have called Aotearoa New Zealand home for more than half my life. I bring over 40 years of experience in health, beginning my nursing career as an Army Nurse and then working in both public and private settings in the United Kingdom. After settling in New Zealand, I retrained as a Health Social Worker, combining clinical knowledge with social work practice to support people to live well at home.

My background spans medical conditions, post‑surgery recovery, rehabilitation, elder health and care, and supporting vulnerable people. I work alongside GPs, hospital and palliative teams, and whānau to create practical, person‑centred plans that fit daily life. Previously, as the Queenstown RSA Local Support Advisor (voluntary), I supported veterans and their families through the local Poppy Trust.

My career journey through health and social care

My Experience

1972-1977 Queen Alexandra British Army Nurse

  • Physical and Mental Health.
  • Care of soldiers (health and trauma) and their families.

1977-1990 NHS 

  • General and mental health nursing.
  • Agency nursing in hospitals, private in-home care.
  • Palliative care.

1990-1991 St John’s In-Home Care

  • Day to day personalised care and outings.
  • Engaging with family to support their needs.

1991-1996 Whanganui Base Hospital

  • Adult and elder health.
  • Rehabilitation.
  • Needs Assessments.
  • Care plans.
  • Care and education for the unwell person and their families.
  • Access to resources that promotes capability and options.

1994-1996 Whanganui Social Work Study

1996-2003 Whanganui Acute Care and Protection Social Work

Assess reports of child welfare concerns and work alongside family whanau and if needed, relevant agencies within their community to enhance child and family wellbeing.

2003-2013 Whanganui Hospital - Elder Health Crisis Social Work

Collaborative team work in Emergency Department to prevent unnecessary hospitalisation.

Needs Assessments for in-home care supports or care placements.

2013-2015 Family Violence Prevention Coordinator

  • Collating real-time data to support community planning, resources, access response and prevention.
  • Whanganui Care and Protection Court Reports to assist families transition out of the Family Court system.

2015-18 Pt. Chevalier Under 65's Rehabilitation Social WorkTeam Lead 

  • Services transferred to Auckland Hospital expanded to include all adults aged 16 to 100+
  • Collaboration across all disciplines working intensively with patients affected by significant physical / psychological / cognitive issues.
  • Engaging the person, family and friends to support healing, recovery, rehabilitation and future care plans.

2018-2020 Wellington - Veterans Affairs Team Lead

  • Education and guidance to Case Managers in their 1-1 interactions with Veterans and Service Members to access support services.
  • Presentations to RSA and Viet Nam Associates, and community groups about
    Veterans Affairs, resources and general information.

2020-2021 Wellington - Kenepuru Hospital - Elder Health Acute Health and Rehabilitation

  • Working as a multi disciplinary team member.
  • Engaged patients and family / friends to review progress and plan for discharge needs back into their community.

2021-2026 Queenstown - Lakes District Hospital Rural Social Work

  • Acute, Inpatient and Community collaborative interventions across the Whakatipu Basin.
  • Assessing and referring for appropriate services for in-home care, rehabilitation and residential care.
  • Palliative care personalised services and access to care funding.
  • Individual and group education and presentations.