New Primary Health Care Clinic for Portarlington

BELLARINE Community Health’s (BCH) commitment to establishing a new Primary HealthCare Clinic incorporating a General Practice service for the Portarlington Community has moved a step closer.

The BCH Board has approved a major internal refurbishment to re-purpose the existing Portarlington facility to allow for a GP clinic.

BCH CEO Shane Dawson said there was a recognised need for access to more dedicated primary health care incorporating a GP Clinic in the Portarlington area.

“The population in Portarlington is forecast to grow 25 per cent by 2030 and BCH believes that there is a need for access to increased health care services in Portarlington.”

More efficient use of the available space at the Portarlington site will allow for two GP consulting rooms, upgraded clinical and allied health support services and a pathology collection service.

These renovations will increase local access to an expanded range of primary health care services needed to keep people well and out of hospital.

Meanwhile, BCH has completed the third stage of its Community Health Centre redevelopment at the Point Lonsdale/Queenscliff site.

Some landscaping, signage and finishing touches are still being finished, but staff and clients have been able to move into the new extension.

“This building has been designed with expansion in mind so the focus is now on building our services and opening up the site for the benefit of all communities on the Bellarine,” Mr Dawson said.

Refurbishing of the Coorabin Building as a sub acute care/step down and visiting specialist facility is yet to be funded, but when completed, will provide comprehensive health care to the community on the Bellarine and complete the concept of a comprehensive health and wellbeing hub.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt will join Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson, BCH Board members and other guests at a ceremony to mark the official opening of the building early next month.