BREAK FREE FROM THE SYSTEM:
IT’S TIME TO OPENYOUR OWN CLINIC
Find out why there has never been a better time to consider opening your own specialist clinic. A recent independent report highlights compelling reasons to start your search for the right location for your clinic.
Demographic Alignment
The local population’s age, income levels, and specific health needs should align with the services offered by the practice.
Lease Duration
Long-term leases offer stability and allow for significant fit-out investments, while shorter leases might offer more flexibility.
Optimized Flow
Efficient layout planning is vital for patient privacy, staff productivity, and separating clinical and administrative areas.
Adaptable Spaces
Designing the space with modularity in mind can ease future reconfigurations as service offerings change or new equipment is introduced.
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There are many factors for success when it comes to occupying a commercial property as a medical practice. Download our 6-page whitepaper for a detailed study of the 5 Key Considerations for the Commercial Property Needs of a Medical Occupier. Enter your details below for instant download of the whitepaper.
CONSIDERATIONS for theCommercial Property Needsof a Medical Occupier
FOR OUR MEDICALPROFESSIONALS TO GETOFF MAIN ROADS!
TRAFFIC CONGESTION
High traffic volumes can make it difficult for patients to reach your premises, potentially leading to delays or frustration.
PARKING AVAILABILITY
With the rise in population, finding parking can become a significant challenge. Adequate parking is crucial for patient convenience and compliance with accessibility requirements.
SAFETY CONCERNS
Main roads can be hazardous, especially for elderly or disabled patients. Ensuring that your premises have safe and easy access is essential.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Opting for properties with sustainable features, such as energy-efficient systems and waste reduction practices, can reduce your practice’s carbon footprint.
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When moving medical premises, it is essential to evaluate the impact of increasing population on main road locations, integrate ESG and DDA considerations and focus on optimizing the patient experience.
Download our 6-page whitepaper for a detailed study of Why it's time for our Medical Professionals to get off main roads.
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DOCTOR-TO- POPULATION RATIO
Understanding the density of medical practitioners relative to the local population helps in assessing market saturation and potential patient base. A high ratio might indicate a saturated market, while a lower ratio may suggest growth opportunities.
REFERRAL PARTNERS
Proximity to hospitals, specialist clinics, or other GP practices can be beneficial. Referral partnerships enhance patient flow and professional networking, leading to better patient care and increased business opportunities.
HEALTHCARE PRECINCTS VS. STANDALONE
Being part of a healthcare precinct, where multiple medical services are co-located, can drive foot traffic and enhance patient convenience. Conversely, a standalone location might offer more flexibility but could lack the built-in patient base of a precinct.
SPACE REQUIREMENTS
The premises must be sufficiently sized to accommodate the necessary medical equipment, patient rooms, and administrative areas.
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The strategic location of a medical practice is crucial for its success. This involves evaluating both the competition and the demographics of the area.
Download our 8-page whitepaper for a detailed study of the Top 10 considerations for active medical occupiers across Australia
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FOR ACTIVEMEDICAL OCCUPIERSACROSS AUSTRALIA
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WHEN PREVENTION SHRINKS,CLINICS MUST GROW
With the Victorian government decision to abolish VicHealth and fold it into the Department of Health, clinics and doctors are likely now to come under greater pressure from tighter budgets and increased demand for frontline services. Many will seek to expand.
Critics have attacked the decision saying it will result in less investment in preventative health, a sicker population and bigger future hospital costs.
This merger is part of the Victorian government’s public service cuts to over 1000 jobs driven by the state’s chronic budget deficits. VicHealth has an annual budget of $45 million, That amounts to just 0.13% of the $33.6 billion the state government is forecast to spend on health this financial year. VicHealth is one of 29 public entities or government boards or committees that the government intends to either abolish, merge or shift into government departments. The government claims all these measures, including reducing its use of consultants and office space freed up by public servants working from home, will save the budget more than $4 billion over the next four years.
But back to VicHealth. The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, an independent entity trading as VicHealth, was established in 1987 with a legislated budget to help rid sport of tobacco advertising. Its work now focuses on public health campaigns to prevent chronic disease caused by poor diet, inactivity and obesity.
Hospitals. clinics and doctors have been key partners in implementing VicHealth’s prevention strategies.
The recommendation to abolish it was contained in the Silver Review tabled in parliament which dedicated just one paragraph explaining its recommendation to get rid of VicHealth.
“VicHealth was established to promote health and prevent chronic disease in Victoria through research, policy development, and community-based health initiatives – including Cancer Council Victoria programs and the QUIT helpline. This is important work but does not need to be conducted independently of a department; it can be absorbed into DH work without compromising service quality,” the report said.
What will happen with the closure? First, it has to be said that hospitals and clinics already carry the burden of treating chronic disease. Without VicHealth’s dedicated prevention strategies, the health system in hospitals and clinics may become more reactive than proactive. That would increase the patient loads for GPs and specialists in clinics dealing with lifestyle related illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.
If this merger with the Department of Health goes ahead, this might well see clinics with financial capacity or strong community demand seek to expand.
If VicHealth can no longer fund community level disease prevention programs (eg smoking cessation, healthy eating, mental health), clinics might need to step in directly to provide similar services.
And without VicHealth’s independent campaigns, clinics that can afford it might expand their facilities, staff or outreach programs to handle the higher patient load. More to the point, it can give these expanded clinics a competitive advantage to differentiate themselves with integrated prevention and treatment services that build their business by attracting more patients and funding streams. Some expanded clinics could also secure grants or partnerships from the Department of Health.
Right now, however, the debate is on about what happens with VicHealth. Five former chairs of VicHealth have written to Premier Jacinta Allan, Treasurer Jaclyn Symes and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas urging them to reconsider their plan.
However, whatever happens with VicHealth, the funding pressures from the Victorian state budget are likely to ensure there will be continued discussion in some clinics about expanding.