Newman Health Put First

A new health service offering locals a wide range of specialist clinical resources has officially opened it’s doors last fortnight in Newman.

The Newman Allied Health Service, the first of it’s kind in the mining town, will give residents access to services spanning optometry, physiotherapy, paediatrics and chiropractics with an operating space inside Parnawarri shopping centre.

Optometrist and lessee Eric Cheng said the launch of the service will give locals opportunities to connect with professionals for optimal care while offering clinicians a chance to practice more efficiently.

“Newman Allied Health’s goal is to help allied health professionals set up services in Newman by providing networking, advertising, reception, billing and the space required to see their patients,” he said.

A space was made available inside the central shopping complex by BHP following discussions with Dr Cheng but he insisted the service will be self-sufficient.

He said demand for services had increased with a need to establish a more permanent hub for practitioners.

With a shift away from FIFO work projected in the near future, Mr Cheng said more services to serve the local residential population would be vital.

Newman Allied Health Clinic office manager Yvonne Stanhope said since opening the hub had attracted many locals to use the service with clinicians busy from day one.