Main points:
- Bethesda Clinic will consolidate growing cohort of health providers in Cockburn Central
- City of Cockburn working to ensure local complementary health services benefit the region and state
- Bethesda Clinic community open day 10am-midday Sunday 5 March
- New private clinic, due to open on Wednesday 8 March, will be first south of the river
Community wellness will receive a welcome boost with the imminent opening of Bethesda’s first private mental health clinic in the City of Cockburn, highlighting local government’s vital role in supporting the establishment of sustainable health services.
The Bethesda Clinic is due to open on 8 March, preceded by a Community Open Day 10am to midday this Sunday, 5 March, at 1 Honour Way in Cockburn Central.
City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said the facility would further consolidate a growing cohort of health providers in Cockburn Central, particularly diagnostic, technical, therapeutic and direct health to prevent, diagnose and treat a range of conditions and illnesses.
“Internationally, tools that measure and promote community wellness tell us that health is just one area where local government’s closeness to unique, individual communities can help improve overall levels of holistic wellness,” Mayor Howlett said.
“The City embraces the national and state priorities of wellness as a measure of community progress through the Australian National Development Index and the WA Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ proposed WA Development Index.
“We are working to ensure complementary health services are accessible in our City, with benefits for the whole region, and the state.
“We have recently supported AMA WA Training Services to provide a Mental Health Peer Support Skillset course from our Cockburn Health and Community facility in Cockburn Central, with a variety of other courses planned.
“Our City believes part of its role is to support the creation of employment and training opportunities. We support, encourage and welcome businesses and industries that provide both economic and wellbeing benefits for our local community. The health support industry is another area where Cockburn is excelling.”
Mayor Howlett said Bethesda’s arrival would highlight Cockburn’s important ancillary role in supporting the State health system, and the two major hospitals, Fiona Stanley and St John of God, only minutes away.
Cockburn Central strategically significant in south metro area
“It also demonstrates the strategic significance of Cockburn Central as the capital of Perth’s growing south metro area.”
Cockburn Acting CEO, Emma Milne, said a focus of the City’s Economic Development approach included attracting a range of health providers to Cockburn Central.
“This development further supports a range of health services to centrally locate south of the river in Cockburn Central where there are efficient transport connections, including expanding public transport links,” Ms Milne said.
“Bethesda’s arrival has cemented this growing area of commerce in Cockburn where a sturdy base continues to flourish.
“One of Perth’s leading providers of person-centred healthcare, Black Swan Health, and the AMA WA Training Services branch, have both chosen Cockburn Central as a key business location.
“The City aims to help consolidate Cockburn Central’s medical offering, by encouraging more specialist rooms. These will further support the two major hospitals at the nearby Murdoch Health and Knowledge precinct.”
Clinic close to transport links, population base and complementary health services
Bethesda Health Care Chief Executive Officer, Neale Fong, said the landmark new facility in Cockburn Central would take advantage of the huge population growth in the area, as well as the excellent access by roads and train to the facilities.
“Currently there is no access to private mental health hospital services south of the river. Bethesda Clinic will attract staff and patients to a vibrant location and be complementary to existing services like Black Swan Health and the Cockburn Health and Community facility,” Dr Fong said.
Black Swan Chief Executive Officer Terina Grace said the arrival of the new Bethesda facility would provide an important enhancement to the broad suite of health services already provided at the Cockburn Integrated Health (CIH).
Ms Grace congratulated the City of Cockburn on its vision for the highly successful and progressive health precinct.
“Having co-located allied health services in an ideally-situated central metropolitan location like Cockburn Central provides access for the entire community to leading holistic, multidisciplinary and individually tailored health care services,” Ms Grace said.
“Black Swan Health, one of the largest primary healthcare providers in WA, has been providing quality multi-disciplinary healthcare and mental health, therapy and disability services at CIH in Cockburn Central for over 7 years.
“Our highly qualified and experienced clinical team offers a large range of health and mental health and disability services that have demonstrated positive health outcomes for our clients and patients.
“The purpose designed CIH centre provides the best integrated health care precinct anywhere in Perth, with easy access by train, bus and car, and boasts a full spectrum of health care services under one roof.”
AMA WA Training and Recruitment General Manager Jan Norberger said AMA Training Services was grateful for the support it had received from the City of Cockburn to access facilities at Cockburn Health and Community facility.
“This facility, and its strategic location close to shops, public transport and the freeway, is ideal,” Mr Norberger said.
“It allows us to service the growing demand for upskilling and job-preparation training in the south metropolitan region. The team and I look forward to expanding our training offering in close partnership with the City.”