Wonthaggi sees growth in allied health services to meet community needs

ALLIED health professionals, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and dietitians, play a vital role in the health and well-being of their patients, including those with a disability under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and these professionals help patients achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.

The team at Wonthaggi Allied Health (WAHC) – owned by Nick and Candice Leitch – Candice, the director and a registered nurse and Nick a physiotherapist (BSC, MPT, MAHCP Paediatric physio) have recently welcomed three new allied health professionals to help transform the health and wellness of patients within the community, including:

Mia Weekes, an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, that has recently joined the team at WAHC. She specialises in a variety of conditions, including diabetes management, heart disease, weight management, and general healthy eating. Additionally, Mia is qualified to work with paediatric patients and those dealing with eating disorders.

Secondly is Lucas Neale, an occupational therapist with specialist training in upper limb rehabilitation. A “hand therapist” is a physiotherapist or occupational therapist who is specialised in the assessment and treatment of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. A hand therapist provides treatment in many ways. These may include custom splinting, exercise prescription, provision of assistive technology, and education around ergonomics and joint positioning.

And most recently Bethany Barrett, an exercise physiologist providing musculoskeletal rehabilitation, chronic disease management, occupational health, athletic development, health and wellbeing, and disability support.

“These are new services for us, because we’ve predominantly offered physiotherapy,” said Candice.

“We’re proud to welcome a dietician, exercise physiologist and occupational therapist. This was our vision when we initially started Wonthaggi Allied Health – to ensure that we could provide all these different services in one place.”

The team at WAHC provide services to patients of Medicare, Work Cover, TAC, DVA, and NDIS participants, playing a crucial role in supporting their patients, and their unique needs, as well as offering group exercise programs, group pilates and 1:1 pilates.

Allied health professionals work closely with individuals to assess their strengths, challenges, and aspirations, and develop strategies to help them achieve their desired outcomes.

WAHC have a room available for rent within the clinic; a room for any practitioner looking for a space. Available for weekly or daily rental agreement.

For more information on Wonthaggi Allied Health visit www.wonthaggialliedhealth.com.au or email info@wonthaggialliedhealth.com.au