Community & Business
13 September, 2022
Putting ‘Community’ into Clifton Community Health Services
Rodney Watton has joined Wannapa Foytong in the new leadership duo at Clifton Community Health Services (CCHS), filling the role as Executive Director - Community.
Mr Watton, who has a professional background with Lifeline and the YWCA, has been in the new role for four weeks.
He is helping to steer CCHS into the future together with Ms Foytong, the Executive Directive - Operations.
He described his role as focusing on the development of service and looking towards things in the future, whereas Ms Foytong focuses more on the day-to-day operations.
“We’ll work together to make sure things run smoothly,” he said.
Mr Watton said it has been a challenging yet rewarding first few weeks in Clifton as he finds his feet and figures out the lay of the land.
He said he has been making the effort to talk a walk each day into town and meet people at various businesses and other places.
Originally hailing from Northern Ireland, Mr Watton has been in Australia for 35 years.
Living in Toowoomba, he has spent the last 20 years in the community sector, first at YWCA and most recently as the Chief Operating Officer - Partnerships & Business Development with Lifeline Darling Downs & South West.
Mr Watton said his experience from previous roles excited him about the opportunity here in Clifton.
“In those roles I found it apparent that a holistic approach works best when looking into the aging population,” he said.
“Clifton Community Health Services has a holistic approach - all types of healthcare are involved.
“It’s a fantastic platform.”
Mr Watton refers to the combination of Clifton Medical Centre, Hospital, Nursing Home, Nirvana Hostel and Vedette Villas, as a “place-based solution” that he is excited to be involved with.
“I feel I might have something to offer,” he said.
“I’m really keen to help CCHS continue to grow and develop.”
While continuing what it is currently doing, Mr Watton is hoping to help CCHS expand and grow.
He points to the recent addition of home care services to the organisation’s offerings as a positive step.
Other methods include more community engagement, particularly with seniors.
Building upon his previous professional experience, including assisting with homelessness, Mr Watton wishes to explore opportunities for more affordable housing using the vacant land CCHS owns.
The overall aim is that seniors, regardless of their levels of independence and health needs, have the best and widest range of services available from CCHS to either remain at home or reside in a CCHS facility.
He is looking forward to working with Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Progress Association and other local organisations to improve the town.
One of the largest challenges facing CCHS lately, shared by many similar organisations across Australia, is attracting doctors.
Mr Watton said there is some good news on that front, with CCHS “positive about a candidate.”
“Having doctors plays a part in feasibility,” he said.
