Somerset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann and CW Executive Director Angie Dobbrick officially open the Kilcoy Wellness Centre recently.
The Somerset Regional Council has opened its first Wellness Centre on the grounds of the Kilcoy Hospital, aimed at providing residents with a range of services they need closer to home.
After its officially opening in late May by Executive Director Angie Dobbrick and Somerset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann, the Wellness Centre has already attracted numerous practitioners including social workers, child counsellors and a visiting optometrist.
Angie believes the patient impact will be wide-reaching.
“I am absolutely thrilled with the Wellness Centre’s progress and the way it is already benefiting the residents in our area,” Angie said.
“Having accessible services closer to home will reduce the amount of conditions that develop into chronic illness from being left untreated, thus reducing long-term hospital stays and similarly improving the general health and wellbeing of the community.”
Somerset Regional Council Community Development Coordinator Lyn Buchanan was the driving force behind the project. She is hoping to see more services come on board over the coming months.
“We hope to attract an audiologist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, as well as more family and mental health support services, to name a few – NDIS support services are also welcome,” Mrs Buchanan said.
“Eventually, it is planned to have several support groups operating out of the centre, for example a parents’ support group or dementia support group.”
For Somerset residents, the proximity of the centre will decrease their need to travel for services that are usually only available in Caboolture or Brisbane, reducing their travel time by 1.5 hours or more.
“It is often difficult for residents to travel to services in the major centres, due to inadequate public transport and cost or time factors,” Ms Buchanan said.
“Having a suitable space within the community removes this barrier.”
For more details, phone Lyn Buchanan on 5424 4000.