Following the passing of much-loved nursing services manager Avril Maltman in April, the Ron Smith Care Centre (RSCC) has announced the appointment of Leanie Bessinger to the role. With a wealth of experience and a passion for geriatric care, Leanie steps into the position with deep respect for the legacy she inherits.
A registered professional nurse with nearly three decades in the healthcare field, Leanie brings a rich blend of clinical expertise and compassionate leadership to the post. She first joined the Rand Aid Association in 2014 as the charge nurse for Riverlodge 1, RSCC’s recuperative care wing, where she quickly distinguished herself through her calm competence and dedication to person-centred care.
“In 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Avril took me under her wing and taught me everything about nursing management,” Leanie reflects. “She helped shape who I am as a leader. To now carry her legacy forward is both a privilege and a responsibility I hold close to my heart.”
Leanie’s immediate priorities as nursing services manager include strengthening person-centred care practices, supporting and mentoring the nursing team and maintaining high clinical standards. She also aims to bolster communication between staff, residents and families to ensure consistent, transparent and trust-filled care.
“My focus is on quality – both in care and in relationships,” she says. “Continuous staff training and open communication will be central to enhancing the well-being of every resident.”
Since joining the Ron Smith Care Centre, Leanie witnessed several transformative developments, most notably the adoption of the Eden Alternative, a care philosophy that seeks to eliminate the loneliness, helplessness, and boredom often associated with institutional care.
“The Eden Alternative has shifted our culture entirely,” she says. “It’s created a space where residents feel truly seen and valued. That change has had a profound impact on me as a nurse and as a leader.”
Before her time at Rand Aid, Leanie held positions at Medicross, NHC Healthcare, and in private general practice. From 2011 to 2014, she served as deputy nursing manager at Sandringham Gardens, where her passion for elder care began to flourish.
In her personal life, Leanie is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys camping, fishing, and spending quality time with her family and pets.
