Inaugural CMO appointed
"I see the CMO role as a way to help drive excellence in clinical care, whilst at the same time helping to inform the strategic direction for Jewish Care..."
JEWISH Care has become the first organisation in the aged care sector in Victoria to appoint a Chief Medical Officer.
Filling that position is Dr Simon Grof who started with the organisation on Monday.
Dr Grof has extensive medical experience, having been a consultant geriatrician at Eastern Health since 2014 and clinical director of their Coordinated Care, Aged Medicine Program. He works across both Aged Medicine and Ambulatory Care to maintain his clinical skills and evidence-based knowledge.
He is also a clinical lecturer at the School of Medicine, Faculty of Public Health at Deakin University.
Jewish Care CEO Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly said of Dr Grof’s appointment, “This significant investment cements Jewish Care’s desire to be best in class in the provision of high-quality, innovative care and support of our community”.
“Dr Grof will provide strong medical leadership at both the governance and operational level supporting the organisation in the provision of high-quality clinical services within our residential aged care homes, active living centres and in-home support services,” he added.
“His appointment comes at a pivotal time when the aged care sector faces numerous care challenges and opportunities in the wake of the Royal Commission into aged care quality and safety findings.”
Saying he was “extremely excited” to take up the role, Dr Grof told The AJN, “The CMO position is invaluable in these uncertain times to assist with clinical guidance and leadership as the residential aged care sector is a complex system to navigate. I see the CMO role as a way to help drive excellence in clinical care, whilst at the same time helping to inform the strategic direction for Jewish Care. The need to engage and partner with our General Practitioners is paramount.”
He added, “I am keenly motivated to improve the healthcare outcomes for elders which aligns with Jewish Care’s values, ethos and philosophy of care and support.”
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