Advertising feature
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
For the past 30 years Riverina Medical and Dental, or RivMed as they’re more commonly know, have been providing health care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Wagga region.
What started as a small facility has grown to a holistic health care provider offering a wide range of health and wellbeing services such as primary health care, dental, mental health, family support and drug and alcohol work.
“Our initial vision was to have a holistic primary health network that covers everything,” board chairwoman Dorothy Whyman said.
“This is a strong service and is much-needed by the Aboriginal community.
“There was no such facility in this area before RivMed was formed.”
“Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) have lead the way for the continuing trend towards super clinics, where patients can access the majority of required services under the one roof,” Riverina Medical and Dental CEO Tangerene Ingram added.
“RivMed began in a small building into Docker Street, which we quickly outgrew.
“RivMed moved into our current administration and dental location in Trail Street, but were providing all services at this site.
“With the growing patient list RivMed then applied for a grant to purchase the current medical practice in Edward Street.
“The support we were providing families also demonstrated a further need in this area, and this service area is now conducted from our Hammond Avenue site.”
Future plans for RivMed include foster care, an aged-care facility, a rehabilitation centre as well as a centre specifically for women. However, one of the main goals is to move all services into one location.
“We’d love to have a one stop shop building with everyone together,” Ms Whyman said.
Currently RivMed are split across three premises: Trail Street (administration, youth program and research project in methamphetamine), Edward Street (GP and allied health services) and Hammond Avenue (child protective services).
With around 3000 patients and 90 staff across the three sites its no wonder RivMed are still growing.
“We’ve got the support of a good board,” Ms Ingram said.
“We’re trusted by the Government to deliver and that’s why they keep funding us,”Ms Whyman added.
“We often get asked to implement a new program or model.”
To mark the impressive milestone of hitting 30 years of service to the community Riverina Medical and Dental will have a special dinner in January.
They also marked the occasion at the annual Yandarra Festival in November with the slogan “30 years caring for our community.”