New hub to help Heathcote’s health

A NEW access and support hub is set to open in the former National Bank building at Heathcote later this year.

Heathcote Health CEO Dan Douglass said community members and service providers were currently being surveyed to discover what each group saw as priorities for the new venture that’ll be located at 104 High Street.

“We set up a hub at Heathcote Health just prior to the pandemic,” he said. “But we had to close the area because of distancing requirements and infection control procedures.

“But we’re aware that many members of the local community are struggling to get information on a range of services.

“They’re not necessarily going to hop online and try and navigate their way to My Aged Care, or they might need a bit of help to work through NDIS requirements, or to access carer support.

“The health and well-being service system is constantly changing, so we want to be able to give community members the best and most up-to-date information we can.”

The new site offers a central location with high visibility.

“There are lots of other services throughout Heathcote,” Dr Douglass said. “So, for example, if someone was after early years services, we’d send them to Bunbunarik Heathcote Children’s Hub, if it was maternal child health then we’d them to the council offices or if it was a Centrelink query, we’d send them to Heathcote community house.

“You will be able to physically indicate where all of those places are from the new site.”

The project is a joint venture between Heathcote Health, the City of Greater Bendigo, and Bendigo Community Health.

“We’ve entered into a lease for two years from the first of May this year,” Dr Douglass said. “Then there’s a three-year option at the end of that period.

“Over these first two years we’re looking to see if we can establish a hub for wellbeing services in the middle of town.”

The ground floor public access area will retain its existing layout, while upstairs is likely to be used as offices for some local service providers.

“We’ve got disability access and a disability toilet on the ground floor,” Dr Douglass said.

“The challenge we always have with offering a lot of services is security and accessibility.

“But we have a steering committee to guide us on how we use the building.”

A soft opening is planned for early September with a limited number of service providers available, while the official opening is planned for late October when the hub should be fully operational.

Fourth year Latrobe University occupational therapy students are currently supporting Heathcote Health by undertaking surveys with community members and service providers until Sunday 31 July.

To contribute to the survey, contact Heathcote Health.