Yarra Glen has been without a doctor since the closure of the Yarra Valley Clinic’s Yarra Glen surgery in September 2007. Local residents and supporters formed the Yarra Glen Medical Precinct Group to respond to this need and have been working since this time to not only have a local GP presence but establish an ongoing health facility that responds to local needs. Community members who have difficulty with transport, particularly young families and older people who find it difficult to afford the time and the expense of travelling to a clinic in other towns are a priority for the group.

The project has received some support from the Shire of Yarra Ranges towards rent and development and has secured a location (Cameron House) from the local Uniting Church. Cameron House is described as not just a medical centre, but a healing centre where the community can gather, get the support they need, get information and feel that they have some local ownership of the project.

The centre is operational with a physiotherapist, two psychologists running clinics. In addition some massage therapists and a kinesiologist are currently providing free services to those affected by the bushfires.

The Group is still working diligently to secure a GP to be based at the clinic. The recent bushfires have clearly highlighted the need for such a service as people need long term treatment and support with a range of physical and mental health issues.

ECLC is also delighted that Dorothy Barber, chair of the Yarra Glen Medical Precinct Group has agreed to be a guest speaker at the Volunteer Dinner.

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 23rd, 2009 at 4:31 pm and is filed under Bushfire Response, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.