AFTER-HOURS CLINIC SUPPORTING WORKING PATIENTS
June 27, 2013
Diabetic patients in the Latrobe Valley have access to a full range of allied health specialists in one appointment through an after-hours diabetes clinic setup by Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS).
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has been shown through the full range of support services on offer including podiatry, dietics, physiotherapy, exercise physiology and support from a Diabetes Nurse Educator.
Mr Chester said LCHS was also operating a Healthy Together Latrobe initiative in conjunction with Latrobe City Council.
“The underlying message is that prevention is better than cure,” Mr Chester said.
“I was told that in many cases, diet and exercise and better lifestyle choices can prevent further health problems associated with diabetes.
“The allied health team is working with not only diabetic patients, but also sections of the community that are at risk of diabetes, to encourage healthy and active lifestyles.”
LCHS Chief Executive Officer Ben Leigh said a focus on holistic care when treating diabetes led to the new after-hours clinic.
“A study of patients found work commitments and other time constraints were preventing many from accessing the full range of services,” Mr Leigh said.
“Patients were choosing just one or two appointments because they did not have time to keep returning to the clinic or to stay for consecutive appointments while on their lunch break from work.
“The after-hours clinic makes it easier for patients to see a diabetes educator, dietician, physiotherapist, podiatrist, exercise physiologist and care co-ordinator all at one place in one appointment.
“The clinic provides Medicare funded allied health appointments with no gap payments.”
The clinic operates by appointment on the second Wednesday of every month between 4pm and 7pm across the Morwell, Moe and Traralgon sites.
Anyone seeking further information on the after-hours diabetes clinic can contact LCHS on 1800 242 696.