New clinics opened in Shepparton and Mooroopna
Two new dental clinics were opened in the Goulburn Valley yesterday by Minister for Aged Care and Aboriginal Affairs, Gavin Jennings MLC, supported by Federal Member for Murray and Minister for Workplace Participation, Dr Sharman Stone, representing Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott.
A stunning and light-filled twelve chair teaching clinic was opened at Goulburn Valley Health (GVH), and a two-chair clinic opened at Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative at Mooroopna.
Both clinics are run in partnership with the University of Melbourne School of Dental Science, thus giving final year BDSc and BOH students opportunity to learn and work in rural settings, including the special indigenous service at Rumbalara Health Service.
In the University of Melbourne media release about the event, Professor Mike Morgan, Deputy Head of the School of Dental Science states "Working hand in hand with the School of Rural Health and Goulburn Valley Health this program will significantly improve local dental services and has the goal and potential to increase the workforce in rural and remote areas".
Both of these issues are priority areas in the Victorian Oral Health Alliance (VOHA) Ideal Dental Health Policy platform, and the opening of the new clinics is a most commendable development. The Victorian and Federal Governments are to be congratulated for their commitment of the required funds to permit the establishment of these excellent facilities. These clinics demonstrate the way ahead for many other rural areas in Victoria, experiencing long waiting lists and workforce shortages.
In his opening speech, Minister Jennings noted that the GVH clinic was jointly funded by the Victorian Government ($10 million), the Commonwealth Government ($4 million) and the Pratt Foundation ($0.5 million). In his media release about the event, he also noted that the State Government "had provided $3 million to help establish the Rural Dental Health Program in conjuction with the University of Melbourne".
The new teaching facility at GVH forms part of an Integrated Care Centre, in which the dental unit is co-located with the Care Coordination Team, the Disease Management Team, Complex Care Services, Integrated Diabetes Services, Podiatry, Drug and Alcohol Services, Falls and Mobility Clinic, Hospital in the Home, Wound Management and Continence Services. These programs have been co-located so that clients can find services more easily, and staff can work more closely together to meet patients' total needs more effectively. This model is now apparently the template for all new clinics throughout the State.
The Rumbalara clinic deserves special mention because it is one of a very few indigenous dental services located within a rural community. Most other aboriginal communities in Victoria have to use bus services to take patients to Melbourne for treatment. The community controlled health service at Rumbalara is one of which they can be very proud, and the enthusiasm and commitment of their dental team is exemplary.
A stunning and light-filled twelve chair teaching clinic was opened at Goulburn Valley Health (GVH), and a two-chair clinic opened at Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative at Mooroopna.
Both clinics are run in partnership with the University of Melbourne School of Dental Science, thus giving final year BDSc and BOH students opportunity to learn and work in rural settings, including the special indigenous service at Rumbalara Health Service.
In the University of Melbourne media release about the event, Professor Mike Morgan, Deputy Head of the School of Dental Science states "Working hand in hand with the School of Rural Health and Goulburn Valley Health this program will significantly improve local dental services and has the goal and potential to increase the workforce in rural and remote areas".
Both of these issues are priority areas in the Victorian Oral Health Alliance (VOHA) Ideal Dental Health Policy platform, and the opening of the new clinics is a most commendable development. The Victorian and Federal Governments are to be congratulated for their commitment of the required funds to permit the establishment of these excellent facilities. These clinics demonstrate the way ahead for many other rural areas in Victoria, experiencing long waiting lists and workforce shortages.
In his opening speech, Minister Jennings noted that the GVH clinic was jointly funded by the Victorian Government ($10 million), the Commonwealth Government ($4 million) and the Pratt Foundation ($0.5 million). In his media release about the event, he also noted that the State Government "had provided $3 million to help establish the Rural Dental Health Program in conjuction with the University of Melbourne".
The new teaching facility at GVH forms part of an Integrated Care Centre, in which the dental unit is co-located with the Care Coordination Team, the Disease Management Team, Complex Care Services, Integrated Diabetes Services, Podiatry, Drug and Alcohol Services, Falls and Mobility Clinic, Hospital in the Home, Wound Management and Continence Services. These programs have been co-located so that clients can find services more easily, and staff can work more closely together to meet patients' total needs more effectively. This model is now apparently the template for all new clinics throughout the State.
The Rumbalara clinic deserves special mention because it is one of a very few indigenous dental services located within a rural community. Most other aboriginal communities in Victoria have to use bus services to take patients to Melbourne for treatment. The community controlled health service at Rumbalara is one of which they can be very proud, and the enthusiasm and commitment of their dental team is exemplary.
posted by Eric Mourant at 7:37 pm
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