By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG is uniquely positioned to become an international centre of excellence in trauma, rehabilitation and injury management, health sector leaders have declared.
The combination of the newly-announced DisabilityCare Australia head office, Transport Accident Commission, Barwon Health, St John of God and Deakin University provided an unrivalled base, they said.
Deakin University and Barwon Health are set to announce a professorship in the area of trauma and rehabilitation, according to the health organisation’s head David Ashbridge.
TAC chief Janet Dore said Geelong faced a “huge” opportunity to position the region as pre-eminent in the rehabilitation and preventative health field.
“We could be known as a centre of excellence for prevention and rehabilitation at world leading standards,” Ms Dore said.
“It needs to be backed up by world-leading research through Deakin University and other partners.
“If we really invest in best practice we can be a world-leading technical centre for rehabilitation and medical care.
“Geelong would be the place known to be doing the best things and it would attract other organisations, allied health and small businesses.
“A whole lot of complementary things could spin off into allied health, service provision and even into ageing and mobility care.”
Ms Dore said Geelong needed to develop a longer-term vision over the next decade.
“By 2020 the region will be significantly changed because of all the activity in this sphere,” she predicted.
Ms Dore said the key players already worked well together, with a suitable skill base within the region, and would attract new residents from Melbourne.
Barwon Medicare Local head Jason Trethowan said Geelong had the right ingredients to become a centre of excellence.
“It’s up to everyone to come together around a table and share where each organisation’s direction is heading and work through this as a shared vision for Geelong,” Mr Trethowan said.
“It’s an opportune time to ask what will Geelong will look like in the next five years. It’s an exciting region to be a part of.”
St John of God Hospital chief Stephen Roberts said the hospital’s $56 million redevelopment would include significant rehabilitation facilities and services.
“There’s lots of opportunity and benefit around innovation and coordination, getting organisations to work together, that is unique in this region,” Mr Roberts said.
