Restoring Ballarat’s allied health industry

IN a bid to combat the negative impacts of the pandemic on the health industry, one Ballarat occupational therapist is opening her arms for other allied health professionals to join her practice.

With the aim of inviting new professionals to her team, Restore Allied Health owner Jennifer Kaess said she has two spare rooms that would be ideal to house health professionals either starting or growing their businesses.

“I’ve been here for three years and I’ve loved it, I loved the building, the community and the neighbours,” she said.

“It’s a little niche community, which is what I’m after for the clinic.

“I’m an occupational therapist but I do a very specific area, I’m a hand therapist, so I would love to have other specific professionals in here.”

While many professionals were devastated by the pandemic, Ms Kaess’ business actually increased and began flourishing throughout this time.

Although she said she had felt disconnected from her peers and patients, she was fortunate for the support she had received.

“I’ve ridden the wave of this pretty well, my business here is at capacity and I’m fully booked,” she said.

“Getting through, it’s important to have your network and your business village, I’d be happy to part some mentorship and support.

“However, I’m feeling disconnected because I am on my own at the moment but it’s nice to be a part of a wider community where caring is more important than competition.”

Located on Errard Street just a block from the hospital, Restore Allied Health is right in the heart of Ballarat’s medical precinct.

For a potential applicant of one of the clinic’s rooms, Ms Kaess said the spaces are not only furnished, bright and private but they also lend themselves to accommodating a health specialists needs.

“We have reception to share, all the facilities, furnished rooms and even parking out the back, everything you would need,” she said.

“Obviously, I want to fill the rooms but I’m really looking for a team to have fun with and support each other.”

Aside from being an allied health professional, Ms Kaess said she’s looking for someone or a group of people to fill the vacancies who will fit into the culture of her workplace.

“I’m wanting to cultivate a fun and compassionate business, a place where the patients feel like they are a part of the place, not just a number,” she said.

“I want it to be a place where I want to come and fits into our little community.

“However, I’m looking for a specific type of allied health service to join my practice whether that’s a physio, speech therapist, driving occupational therapist, massage therapist or even a lymphedema masseuse.”

To apply for one of Restore Allied Health vacant rooms, get in contact with Ms Kaess through Rachel Allan at [email protected].