The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has welcomed the opening of Stanhope Health’s new Diabetes Outreach Clinic, which is now accepting appointments for local patients.
The facility, operated by Kyabram District Health Service (KDHS), opened in September and is set to address the high prevalence of diabetes in Stanhope and surrounding communities.
Ms Cleeland, who is the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health, said the service would offer crucial care to those who need it most in the region.
“With the local area having a high prevalence of diabetes, it is pleasing to see that this new clinic is now open and able to welcome patients,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Too often we see our regional towns forgotten about when it comes to health services like this, with patients forced to travel to larger hubs in bigger towns or the city.
“Thanks to incredible advocacy from the local community who expressed the need for this type of facility, the clinic is now able to offer specialist, close to home support for locals that are at a high risk of diabetes, as well as those already living with diabetes in the region.”
The clinic will operate with support from dedicated nursing and allied health professionals, including a diabetes educator, podiatrist, dietitian, social worker, exercise physiologist, physiotherapist, all led by a specialist diabetes outreach care co-ordinator.
Appointments are available to be booked both in-person and for telehealth appointments, as well as group programs.
The new clinic will be taking appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays and external referrals can be emailed to referrals@kyhealth.org.au.
All appointments with the Diabetes Outreach Care Coordinator are free of charge and appointments with other health professionals are either Medicare covered or have small fees attached.