EMMA GHYS Early Intervention Manager, Alpine Health
Alpine Health’s PACE Program – National winners of HESTA Team Excellence Award
Alpine Health’s Pulmonary and Cardiac Education
program in the town they are primarily based in.
and Exercise (PACE) team was honoured to be the
The service model is flexible and allows for centre-
winners of the HESTA Team Excellence Award.
based and home-based programs, depending on
Following a challenging year that was marred
the needs of the clients.
by bushfires, evacuations and the COVID-19 pandemic, the team was recognised for going above and beyond to deliver outstanding client
Why partner with private organisations? There are many benefits to partnering with private
care in the face of great challenges and adversity
organisations.
and continuing to provide Alpine Shire residents
SKILLED WORKFORCE
with necessary rehabilitation services. Our unique
This approach to service delivery has meant that
service model and dedicated staff and partners,
we could tap into existing skill amongst the local
Equilibre Health, Kiewa Valley Sports and Spinal
allied health providers and maintain their currency
Physiotherapy and Ovens Valley Physio and Pilates,
of practice and up-to-date knowledge. Additionally,
can be attributed to the success of the program.
providing them with an employment opportunity
Service model The service delivery model and development of the PACE program is a partnership between a public health service and local private providers. It has been this way from the inception of the idea to the current delivery. Partnering with private
prevents them looking elsewhere, maintaining a high level of specialist skill locally. SHARED VISION The shared vision of keeping local health services local and meeting the needs of the needs of the local community is vital to improving the health of
providers has provided residents of the Alpine
our communities.
Shire access to a vital rehabilitation service they
CLIENT CENTRED APPROACH
would have previously had to travel up to 120km
Partnering with private providers who have a
to access. As a result of this partnership approach,
local business allows for a true client centred and
we can run the program across the three main
flexible approach. It provides the ability for clients
towns in the Alpine Shire each week. Each of our
to be supported at home on home-based programs,
partners, Equilibre Health, Kiewa Valley Sports
individualised program and of course the centre-
and Spinal Physiotherapy and Ovens Valley Physio
based programs. The other important aspect is
and Pilates, are responsible for delivering the
continuity of care, once a client completes the
48
The Health Advocate • FEBRUARY 2021
