By BRIDGET COOK
A VISION became a reality for Thompson Road Clinic as it opened its expanded one-stop-shop for health care services last week.
The medical clinic spent $2 million renovating and extending the centre to add different services including a six-bed emergency department, mental health department, a pharmacy and pathology and radiology.
The clinic, which was officially opened by the Minister for Health David Davis on Friday night, now employs more than 40 staff and can service more than 4000 patients each week.
Managing director Doctor Leon Shapero, who started the clinic 27 years ago, said he was thrilled the expansion was now complete.
“Three surrounding properties were purchased in order to allow for the extensions, renovations and additional car parking,” he said.
“Our vision for Thompson Road Clinic was to have a fully integrated private multi-disciplinary health care facility that would serve just about any health issue our community might have. And here we are.
“A general practice, allied health and dental care, pharmacy, radiology and specialist consulting services and cafe – all on one site and operating seven days a week.”
Dr Shapero said services like these were essential for all communities.
“In a rapidly growing area such as Cranbourne, an expansion and further integration of existing health care services is essential,” he said.
“The specialist consulting suites are an exciting addition to the local provision of health care and our five-bed emergency room allows us to treat lacerations and minor fractures, as well as catering for significantly unwell patients.
“Mental health services within this area have been desperately required and poorly catered for. We now offer the services of two mental health nurses and five psychologists.”
