Not-for-profit Marathon Health has set about “increasing the allied health options” in  the city and region.

The primary health care organisation wants to keep people “well and out of hospital” by making it easier for them to get the treatment they need.

Its latest project is also expected to “relieve pressure on waiting lists in the public sector”.

The clinic at 106 Talbragar Street was officially opened by Marathon Health’s executive of health services in Dubbo, Linda Cutler, on Friday. Previously it has operated “in a limited capacity”.

“Marathon Health is committed to bringing better healthcare closer to home for communities across Western NSW,” Ms Cutler said.

“We want to make sure people have easy access to the healthcare services they need to keep them well and out of hospital which is why we have opened a clinic here in Dubbo.

“Marathon Health will continue to work with local communities to identify and bridge gaps in access to healthcare.

“We want country Australians accessing the best healthcare possible which is why we ensure that geographical distance isn’t a barrier.”

Ms Cutler outlined a range of payment options for people attending the clinic.  “These include bulk-billing options through a GP management plan, health fund rebates via HICAPS, private fee-for-service options and a range of other supports through NDIS treatment plans and Department of Veterans’ Affairs payment options,” she said.

“The advantage of this clinic is that by delivering services to those who can afford to pay we aim to relieve pressure on waiting lists in the public sector which in turn assists in gaining faster access to services.”

The clinic is offering “fast access”  for people of “all ages and needs” to a range of experienced allied health professionals including speech pathologists, occupational therapists, exercise physiologists, dietitians and diabetes educators.

Ms Cutler said Telehealth would also be employed to support “clients who may need to travel long distances to access services”. “It allows us to improve access to healthcare in remote communities,” she said.

Marathon Health also runs a clinic in Orange and has plans to introduce them to Bathurst and Wagga Wagga. The clinic in Dubbo’s Talbragar Street is open from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 1300 402 585.