PORTER CONTINUES FOCUS ON HEALTH

Today, Ms Mary Porter MLA and Bob McMullan MP, jointly opened the West Belconnen Community Health Centre.

“This cooperative model is founded on principles of access, affordability and participation. For a small fee individuals are able to join the cooperative, have a say in its management and enjoy benefits such as bulk billed GP consultations.

“The Centre is already enjoying tremendous community support,” said Ms Porter.

The community owned centre was established with funding assistance from the ACT and Commonwealth Governments. Although the centre was officially opened today, it has been operating since January this year.

With the passing of President Obama’s Health Legislation in the United States, and the debate on the health system between Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, health has been in the spotlight throughout the week.

“As someone who has dedicated so many years to improving the health of others, I am delighted that this issue is in the spotlight. Everyone needs to have access to a functional and affordable health system,” Ms Porter asserted.

“In bringing together allied health services and community groups the Centre promises to be effective in improving issues related to health promotion, early intervention and service coordination,” said Ms Porter.

The Centre offers general medical services along with health promotion, early intervention and prevention support, and social services.

“The Centre represents a real achievement for a community that has a real need for doctors and other health services. Added to that the co-op profits are reinvested into the Centre to ensure services continue to improve.”

“I am proud to be a Patron of the Centre and one of its founding members.”

“As a cooperative model, one of the first in Australia, we look forward to ongoing community involvement and the assured responsiveness to community needs,” concluded Ms Porter.

Statement Ends
Media Contact: Andrew Hunter 02 6205 0428 bh 0431 739 775
Andrew.hunter@parliament.act.gov.au
Mary Porter 0414 480 440