Local healthcare focus: Award winning medical centre expands its services [ Advertisement ]
In the heart of Canberra’s north, a local clinic is focusing on continuous improvement in delivering accessible community care. Since opening its doors in December 2014, Ochre Medical Centre Casey has grown into a trusted healthcare hub. Behind its success is a dedicated team of 13 general practitioners, a
vibrant allied health crew, and a progressive nursing team - all working together to deliver everything from skin checks and perimenopause support to chronic disease management and minor procedures. But it’s the clinic’s award-winning leadership and forward-thinking services that underpin its evolving approach.
In 2024, lead nurse Ben Jol was recognised nationally, receiving both the ACT Nurse of the Year and the Ochre Health National Excellence Award. A year earlier, Practice Manager Nirasha DeZoysa won ACT and National Support Team Member of the Year, repeating her win from 2021. “I hope patients feel welcomed here,” says Jol, who has been with the practice for six years. “That it’s professional, that they’re in safe hands and supported throughout their treatment journey.” That care extends well beyond the basics. The inhouse, nurse-led wax management clinic, launched recently, uses microsuction - a safer and more effective method than traditional ear syringing, particularly for patients who are diabetic, immunocompromised or have had ear surgery. Meanwhile, the team’s commitment to immunisation is gaining national attention. “We’ve consistently recorded high vaccination rates, particularly among older adults,” Jol explains. “Three of our nurses are
authorised immunisers - soon to be four - and we’re also one of the few certified clinics in Canberra for yellow fever vaccination.” Another unique offering is access to a visiting exercise physiologist - an increasingly popular service providing tailored exercise plans to help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis. “Often people don’t realise that exercise, done right, can be treatment,” Jol adds. “It’s not just about fitness - it’s about function.” Rounding out the centre’s offering are audiology visits through Hearing Australia, mental health support from in-house psychologists, and a strong focus on preventive care. With multiple staff recognitions and a growing allied health team, the team at Ochre Medical Centre Casey remains grounded in its purpose - to help Canberrans stay well, close to home. Ochre Medical Centre Casey is at 15 Whitrod Ave, Casey. Book an appointment online at ochrehealth.com.au or by calling the practice on 6163 4200.
Helping Canberrans navigate life’s psychological challenges With more than two decades of experience, Counselling Psychologist, Peter Watt brings a deep sense of calm and compassion to his practice at Ochre Medical Centre Casey. Experienced in working with longstanding and complex mental health presentations, Peter offers support and counselling in areas often underserved – including trauma, persistent depression, LGBTQIA+ issues, and behavioural difficulties. Peter’s career has taken him across rural and regional Australia, where he worked as an ambulance officer and then psychologist with Aboriginal communities and people entangled in the justice system. That exposure to the intersection of trauma, culture, and disadvantage left a lasting impression and continues to inform his approach today. “I’ve always been interested in the mind–body connection,” Peter says. “These days I work a lot with people who are dealing with the longer arc of their psychological story – where things haven’t resolved quickly or easily.”
He describes his current client base as mostly adults referred by their GPs under a Mental Health Care Plan. While many clients present with issues like anxiety or depression, he also works extensively with men in the areas of work-related stress relief, anger management, relationship repair, substance rehabilitation, and dealing with offending behaviours. The goal, he says, is not just symptom relief but helping people understand themselves more deeply and to provide guidance in positive lifestyle change. “Sometimes people come in thinking they’re just ‘broken’, but what they actually need is a space to explore their story, reconnect with their values, and learn tools to manage difficult emotions,” Peter says. “This space is provided within the therapy room at Casey for individuals or families and also for men in a group setting both indoors and outdoors.” Outside of Ochre Casey, Peter operates his own private practice, Outsight Psychological Services, and he runs occasional workshops and group sessions on skills
involving Mindfulness in Practice as outlined on his own website: www.mindfulnessinpractice. com.au. Yet he sees real value in working within a GP clinic setting. “There’s a sense of collaboration here,” he says. “It can make a big difference to a client’s journey when the team is connected with open communication between doctor, psychologist and other allied health clinicians.” Peter receives clients with a GP
referral and offers discounted rates for pensioners, students, and healthcare card holders. Appointments are held at Ochre Medical Centre Casey and can be booked directly through the practice. Peter Watt is accepting clients at Ochre Medical Centre Casey, 15 Whitrod Ave, Casey. Book an appointment online at ochrehealth.com.au or by calling the practice on 6163 4200.