Australia's First Retail Health Clinic

Australia's First Retail Health Clinic

Australia's first retail health clinic was launched today in WA, offering a solution to the current GP shortage.

Located at Garden City Shopping Centre, in Booragoon, the Revive Clinic is staffed by Nurse Practitioners who will deliver a range of basic primary-care services ranging from preventative screenings and immunisations to tests and treatments for common infections.

The clinic complements the services of GPs and Pharmacists by handling simpler procedures which allows doctors to focus on disease and more complex patient issues. Experienced nurses with advanced education, Nurse Practitioners have the authority to prescribe medication and order diagnostic tests. Any patient with an abnormal screening test reading is referred to a physician.

The Revive Clinic's retail-based, consumer focused concept provides greater convenience for patients. The clinic is open seven days with extended opening hours and no appointments are necessary.

All records are stored electronically and patients have secure internet access to their personal health information and test results.

Along with treatment for common medical conditions, the clinic provides patients with risk assessment, education and recommendation. This minimises the likelihood of patients developing chronic disease. Patients' lifestyle risk factors such as stress levels, diet and health history are assessed in order to refer them on to a relevant program.

Revive Nurse Practitioner Amanda Sherratt (pictured) said the Revive Clinic will effectively utilise the skills of nurse practitioners and improve the current status of the health system. 'Nurse Practitioners can, for example, treat ear infections, screen for high blood pressure and provide immunisations which will help to ease the strain on GPs and emergency rooms," she said.

'The Nurse Practitioners will work in partnership with local GPs and pharmacists ensuring collaboration in care provision which means that ultimately patients are the real winners."

The Revive Group plans to establish over 20 further clinics around the country, each located in high traffic shopping areas, offering greater convenience to patients.