Nursing Team
Carol Ashworth
Lead Nurse
I have been a registered nurse for 40 years. I worked at Ashburton Hospital in many varied and interesting roles.
For the past 10 years, I have worked at Methven Medical Centre and I enjoy the wonderful and supportive team environment at MMC. We all work hard to support our community in their health needs.
Outside of work, I enjoy gardening and spending time with family and friends.
Penny Carr
Registered Nurse
Penny's Nursing career has spanned over 22 years, predominantly in critical care and accident and emergency, both locally and abroad.
Penny joined Methven Medical Center in early 2021, she loves the diversity of rural medicine and the challenges it presents.
When she is not working she can be found on the family farm or taxing her two boys to there after school activities
Julia Ensor
Registered Nurse
I have been a nurse for 20 years now, the majority of that spent working in different roles in Ashburton Hospital. I have lived in Methven for 20 years and wanted to work in my own community, I was lucky enough to get a job in the Medical Centre 3 years ago, I really enjoy working with our team at the medical centre.
Outside of work, I enjoy working on my vege garden
Adrienne Wall
Registered Nurse
Born and raised in Canterbury, I met and married my husband on the West Coast, had three sons who are now grown up and decided to venture into nursing later in life. I have never regretted this decision and even more so now that we live in Valetta and I have joined the awesome team at MMC. I have been a member of the MMC family now for over 2 years and love the Methven community and being a part of it.
When I’m not at work, I can be found pottering around the garden, enjoying time with my grandchildren, or dreaming of far away places to visit
Rita Thomas
Registered Nurse
I was born and bred in Tauranga. I completed my Bachelor of Nursing Degree in my home town, where I then worked in the hospital as an emergency nurse. I love traveling, visiting new places and trying new things, hence the move to the South Island. In my spare time I enjoy catching up with friends/ family and being in the outdoors. I am currently training to compete in a half marathon this year. I have been really passionate about working in the community and gaining some experience rural nursing. So I was very excited when the opportunity popped up at Methven Medical Centre. I look forward to meeting you all and help make a difference in this beautiful community you call home
Karen Goldsmith
Registered Nurse
I trained in the UK back in the 90's, on moving to New Zealand I embraced both critical care and emergency nursing, followed by a stint in telehealth.
I moved to Methven to leave the city life behind, luckily, I found a job with an amazing team in a great community.
Outside of work, I am still settling in with my husband and fur babies, we love exploring what the district has to offer.
Lisa Harcourt
Registered Nurse
Nursing is something I have always thought about doing, having come from a career in human resources I knew I had a passion for working with people to achieve their goals. Then along came two children and a very supportive husband which allowed me to follow my dream of combining a love for people and healthcare to become a nurse. I was lucky enough to have my final transition placement at MMC and once graduated started in July. I quickly knew that rural practice nursing which offers variety and a team that work as a support network for each other as well as their community was where I want to be. Together with my young family we reside on a farm in Rakaia. When I'm not at the practice I can be found enjoying a run, hit of squash, spending time with friends, and watching my kids grow up, all be it too fast!
Sharon Burrell-Smith
Registered Nurse
I worked for over 14 years at a busy inner-city practice in Christchurch before moving to Methven in 2009. I have worked as a casual nurse at the medical centre ever since.
When I’m not at work you will find me on the golf course, a ski field or travelling with family and friends.
Stacy Mawle
Health Care Assistant
I work at Methven Medical Centre as a Health Care Assistant, working to support the nurses, which is a varied and exciting role. Originally from the UK where I trained as an Operating Department Practitioner. I have lived in New Zealand for 18 years. In 2019 I completed my diploma in Ambulance Practice and volunteer for St John as an EMT.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and enjoy the odd spot of fishing. We farm locally and my children keep me busy with their various hobbies.
MMC is a great place to work in a fun and supportive team.
Brenda Smith
Health Care Assistant
I am a "local" Methven person who has lived all my life here. I married a "local" Mark and we have 2 children Nikita & Jakob both in their 20's, where did that time go! Now with more time on my hands I have recently started playing golf, which I am really enjoying (most of the time!). I started at Methven Medical Centre in 2020 just after our first Covid lockdown. Previously I was a Property Manager in Methven for many years. I have been a volunteer at Methven St John for over 10 years as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). I love working here as I feel I am not only helping people in our community but also helping the rest of the team here. The work I do is so varied I never know what I might be doing from one day to the next.