A private mental health clinic will open in the southern Perth suburb of Cockburn next week in what is a first for the area.
The Bethesda Clinic will 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 clinic’s arrival highlighted Council’s important ancillary role in supporting the State health system, and the two major hospitals, Fiona Stanley and St John of God.
“It also demonstrates the strategic significance of Cockburn Central as the capital of Perth’s growing south metro area,” the Mayor said.
Council Acting CEO, Emma Milne said a focus of the Council’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.”
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 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 Council 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.”
Mayor Howlett said the facility further consolidated 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,” he 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.”
AMA WA Training and Recruitment General Manager, Jan Norberger said AMA Training Services was grateful for the support it had received from the Council to access facilities at Cockburn Health and Community facility.
Council recently supported AMA WA Training Services to provide a Mental Health Peer Support Skillset course from the Cockburn Health and Community facility in Cockburn Central, and has 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,” Mr Norberger said.
“This facility, and its strategic location close to shops, public transport and the freeway, is ideal.
“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,” he said.
