
Deborah Karam
Chief Residential Officer
Catholic Healthcare
Deborah Karam is a highly respected healthcare leader recognised for her commitment to quality, safety and system-wide improvement. Beginning her career as a nurse in high-acuity clinical settings, she developed a strong foundation in patient-centred care and an in-depth understanding of complex health systems. Deborah has since held senior leadership roles, bridging clinical excellence with operational performance across hospital and aged care environments. She holds a Master in Health and is a strong advocate for evidence-based practice, with research published in the Australasian Journal of Neuroscience. Deborah has led major commissioning initiatives, implemented robust clinical governance and WHS frameworks, and driven digital innovation to improve outcomes, compliance and workforce wellbeing.
SESSIONS
Day 1
10:00
Panel: Bringing the new quality standards to life in residential care
How can aged care providers translate the new Quality Standards into consistent, meaningful practice across governance, daily care, clinical oversight, IPC, and resident experience?
Gain insight into how providers can redesign systems, documentation, reporting, and workforce capability to consistently meet measurable outcomes and uphold older people’s rights.
Moderator: Deborah Karam, Chief Residential Officer, Catholic Healthcare
Jodi Havil, Head of Residential Aged Care, Southern Cross Care
Jenny Summerton, Executive General Manager, Residential Care, Hammondcare
Terese Gatt, Director of Nursing, Kurrajong Nursing Home
Maureen Kennedy, Head of Quality, Excellence and Governance, Infinite Care
