COUCH Wellness Centre welcomes Dr Helen Hobson as resident GP
The COUCH Wellness Centre is forging ahead with its new business model through the appointment of a GP at its wellness centre, despite relying on donations to operate after federal funding ended in March.
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A Cairns cancer centre is forging ahead with its new business model through the appointment of a GP at its wellness centre, despite now relying on donations to operate after federal funding ended in March.
In line with its plan to transition to a general practitioner-centred model of care, the Cairns Organisation United for Cancer Health (COUCH) Wellness Centre in Manoora will welcome Dr Helen Hobson to the centre for one day a week starting June 9.
The centre supports those affected by cancer in the Far North, providing a range of post-acute services including allied health, exercise classes, education, support groups, and resources for carers and family members.
The centre is now relying on philanthropic donations to operate after funding from the North Queensland Primary Health Network ended in March, and calls for a commitment to $7.5m in funding during the federal election campaign went unanswered.
Dr Hobson has more than 15 years experience working in Far North Queensland and has a special interest in cancer and survivorship care.
“I’ve been working with patients in rural areas who receive a cancer diagnosis and I’m seeing the gaps in care,” Dr Hobson said.
“Finding the right support — no matter where someone lives — can be incredibly difficult. Being able to help people through that process is really important to me.”
COUCH chairman Dr Scott Davis said the centre would continue to operate as normal despite the lack of funding, and said it was imperative the government helped the service continue and extend its services.
“The government still has a responsibility to help fund the centre and its core services and we will work with new Leichhardt MP Matt Smith, Senator Nita Green and the health minister, as well as stalwart Kennedy MP Bob Katter on how they do this,” Dr Davis said.
“There is hard work ahead but we do operate debt free, we have a strong asset base and we are a charity of choice for many organisations and events.”
COUCH has recently received a $100,000 philanthropic contribution and a $16,500 donation from Bendigo Bank’s Connected Communities.
Dr Hobson will offer general medical support, survivorship care planning, Medicare-enabled co-ordination and care navigation.
Appointments are available for anyone affected by cancer, their families and carers.
To book, contact the COUCH Care Team on ph (07) 4032 0820 or email admin@couch.org.au
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Originally published as COUCH Wellness Centre welcomes Dr Helen Hobson as resident GP
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