Interviewed by Barbara George, Chief Executive
For many of us, our parents are our most precious things – our taonga – even if keeping them out of the supermarket during lock-down was a full time job in itself – but that’s a whole other story!
So what do we do when our parents no longer can or wish to live in the family home, or they want lifestyle choices that fit their needs and interests, or they want company and peace of mind?
I have the answer to that… call David Sidaway! David is the General Manager of Golden Healthcare Group – proud sponsors of our summer production.
So, now that I am giving him a character reference, let me tell you why.
Over the past two years I have gotten to know David and his Partner Janet. If you asked me if there was one word to describe him, it is simply that he is kind.
David’s story appears to be in increments of ten. He was born in Wellington and moved to Christchurch when he was ten, then returned to Wellington after 10 years working at BNZ in Christchurch. Ten years later, he returned to Christchurch with the BNZ. Then left BNZ to work in the aged care industry where he has worked for ten years as General Manager of Golden Healthcare Group.
In 2019, Golden Healthcare Group was sold to the Heritage Group. He met Chief Executive Norah Barlow and could see instantly that their shared values meant that his brand of compassion would be valued under this much larger entity, and so he agreed to stay. Norah is a well-respected and experienced industry professional so David could see the potential in this union.
But how does a banker become a successful General Manager and guardian of retirement lifestyle choices? David had ten years to learn the ropes, so though he didn’t start out in aged care, he came to grips with the requirements of the role to ensure his ongoing effectiveness. Much of his role involves working collegially with the Christchurch District Health Board, negotiating successful outcomes and ensuring that he can get the very best for his major stakeholders, his residents.
Golden Healthcare Group has 350 residents in seven facilities, including 45 independent villas. He sees this as a niche operation that allows him the personal touch.
I asked David about his staff. He employs 260 people, 90 percent of whom are women. I cheekily asked him how he navigates that, but he is unfazed, it doesn’t worry him, and he loves the multi-cultural nature of his workforce. He specifically singled out his Filipino health care workers and nurses – he called them exceptionally kind and caring.
Covid was a challenging time for the aged care industry. David spent a significant amount of time directly answering questions from concerned family members and overseeing the care and safety measures being taken.
And then I came to the really important question – why The Court! David smiled and said well, actually, we have Janet to thank for that. David did admit to sponsorship opportunities through the BNZ, but his interest has been nurtured because Janet loves the theatre.
I asked our sponsorship manager Layla Moutrib why she likes working with David. She said it’s because he is a loyal and responsive partner, engaged in all of the opportunities, particularly those that allow him to reward his staff with a night out at The Court.
There is that kindness again… Kindness times ten!