Nominees for health awards
Initiatives by the Central Clinic in Warragul, West Gippsland Healthcare Group and Civic Park Medical Centre in Drouin have been chosen as finalists for the 2020 Gippsland Primary Health Awards.
Gippsland Primary Health Network chief executive officer Amanda Proposch said it had been a challenging year for the primary care workforce across the region that has worked tirelessly to ensure access to their service and keep the community safe.
The nomination of Warragul’s Central Clinic in the Innovative Services for Diverse Communities cites its introduction this year of a drive-through facility to provide safe access for influenza vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It also quickly became involved with a new government initiative to set up “HeadToHelp Baw Baw” designed to give people a smoother transition to mental health services.
West Gippsland Healthcare Group’s health promotion team is one of four finalists in the “Integration and Partnerships” section for its collaboration with Warragul Primary School’s healthy lunch program.
The team responded quickly to a parent-identified to address poor eating habits of a number of students.
A weekly healthy lunch was provided at the school and also the children’s knowledge of nutrition and healthy food choices.
Civic Park Medical Centre at Drouin has been chosen as a finalist in the “Prevention” category for its support and access for patients during the year.
It bulk billed all after hours appointments, established a COVID-19 testing drive-through clinic, adapted to the ‘flu season as a result of the pandemic, bulk billed skin checks, and dedicated more resources to a 12-week weight loss program “Living :Light”.
The clinic also engaged four new doctors and extra reception staff.
Ms Proposch said the final nominations highlighted the quality and breadth of depth of primary care health delivered across the region by doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.
Winners of the Gippsland Primary Health Awards will be announced on November 18.