January Spotlight: Kardinia Health (Geelong GP Super Clinic)

Kardinia Health (Geelong GP Super Clinic) is helping people to manage their chronic health problems with a team of health professionals working together in one location.



Address: 2-18 Colac Rd, Belmont Victoria 3216
Telephone: (03) 5202 9333
Date opened: 30 August 2010
Website: http://www.kardiniahealth.com.au/

Rohan’s story

Rohan, 51, has had diabetes for 15 years. As well as his general practitioner, he is getting help from the visiting endocrinologist, nurses, dietician, diabetes educator and exercise physiologist.

Rohan feels more in control because his diabetes is now being managed by a range of practitioners. He also attends the diabetes education group sessions.

“Even pathology services are onsite and my patient information is in the one place,” Rohan said. “I don’t need to tell my story right from the start over again.”

Diabetes affects an increasing number of Australians and managing blood sugar levels is essential to preventing long-term complications such as eye and nerve problems, kidney failure and reduced blood flow to the legs.

Doreen’s story

Doreen, 78, has had diabetes since 1989. Doreen is getting help from the diabetes educator and the podiatrist. She also attended the diabetes group education session where the clinic’s dietician talked about managing diabetes with diet. She uses the pathology service for her blood tests.

Doreen has chronic back pain caused by arthritis and is doing exercises that were recommended by the clinic’s physiotherapist to alleviate pain.

Arthritis is affecting Doreen’s mobility and she appreciates not having to travel to many locations for her health care.

“I might need a walking frame soon, so I like having all the services and people I need in the one building,” said Doreen.

Maryanne’s story

Maryanne, 40, has tried many ways to lose weight. As well as her general practitioner, she is now seeing a nurse, dietitian and exercise physiologist at the Geelong GP Super Clinic (Kardinia Health).

Maryanne’s goals are to lose 10kg and to stop relying on hypertension tablets.

“Losing weight will help to reduce my blood pressure,” she said.

The nurse at the clinic has checked Maryanne’s weight and height, blood sugar level and blood pressure and she will have a similar health check in three months.

The exercise physiologist is preparing an exercise plan for Maryanne. The dietitian is assisting her to understand more about the types of foods she should eat and why these foods are important to her wellbeing.

“Having everyone in the one place is really helpful and all the support will help me to make losing weight happen.” The team approach at the GP Super Clinic is assisting Maryanne to learn how she can look after her health better.

Although Maryann has not had much success with weight loss in the past, coordinated care provides her with a better chance to succeed.

An important part of National Health Reform, the over 60 GP Super Clinics being built across Australia will help to address long term challenges facing Australia’s health system, including diabetes and obesity.

More information on GP Super Clinics is available at: www.health.gov.au/gpsuperclinics.