Showcase puts patients first

AWimmera Health and Wellness Showcase will help bring health professionals in the region together like never before.

The showcase, at Horsham Church of Christ on March 15, is the first of its kind in the Wimmera.

It was designed to foster relationships between all health professionals, from doctors and nurses to allied health workers, nutritionists, massage therapists, chiropractors and physiotherapists.

The event is the brainchild of Horsham business Distinct Soft Tissue Therapy owner Liz Pumpa.

Mrs Pumpa said there was often a disconnect between health professionals from disparate disciplines and patients in the region were worse off as a result.

“The Wimmera doesn’t have a very strong framework for health professionals,” she said.

“It’s quite an individual thing, which is quite sad.

“The showcase is about bringing the region’s health professionals together and creating a strong and supportive framework for our clients’ health needs, so that we can work as a team rather than individuals.

“Being able to have a really good referral basis for patients is important.

“Having everyone in one location so everyone can intermingle, network and relax in a non-territorial environment is a way to do that.”

Mrs Pumpa said there had never been a networking event for all health professionals in the Wimmera before.

“I work in remedial massage therapy and I’ve been in this region for more than 20 years,” she said.

“I’ve found there is a massive gap between GP networks and allied health.

“When an individual does need a couple of modalities to get their health back on track it makes it hard.

“This is what the patients want – I’m hearing it from my customers as well.”

Mrs Pumpa said the event would help young graduate students at Wimmera Health Care Group establish connections in the region.

The event will feature three guest speakers covering the topics ‘Manual Lymphatic Drainage’, ‘Nutrition – From Paddock to Plate’ and ‘Life Coaching-culture, Growth and Success’.

Mrs Pumpa said the talks would provide interesting insights for health workers.

“The talk on lymphatic drainage will be good because it is a really specialised modality in our region,” she said.

The Wimmera Health and Wellness Showcase will be from 7pm to 9.30pm.

Tickets are from $29.95 and can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com.au. Search for ‘Wimmera Health and Wellness Showcase’.

People can also visit Distinct Soft Tissue Therapy’s Facebook page at www. facebook.com/distinctstt for more information.