Local doctor to head Active Health Portland

Dr Garde comes to the position with more than 25 years experience as a general practitioner in the local community, and a long involvement in medical education.
She expects Active Health Portland to bring a new style of preventative health care to the region.
“The super clinic concept is new and it will be a big challenge
to bring everyone together to make the broad concept work for the Portland region.
The concept is about enhancing the way in which all of us as general practitioners and allied health professionals manage our patients’ health problems,” Dr Garde said.
“But it is a challenge I am really excited about.
To have the opportunity to work with GP registrars and medical students and to bring together a team of GPs and well-trained
allied health practitioners to provide health services to the region is a very exciting opportunity for our region.”
Dr Garde said Active Health Portland, which was developed under the Federal Government’s GP Super Clinic program, would add a new dimension to the region’s preventative health care.
“It will be a valuable resource for all doctors and their patients,” she said.
“We want patients to have access to excellent primary health care services and for every doctor in Portland to have the opportunity for their patients with chronic diseases to be managed in a team environment.”
Dr Garde moved to Portland to marry Robert Hunt in 1985. Most recently she has been working in her own general practice, as well as with Southern GP Training in medical education.
“I have always had a strong interest in education and to have a role that involves training registrars and medical students was too good to refuse,” she said.
“I love working in Portland, the people are amazing and I love being close to the ocean. To be involved in this new project will be an exciting time for everyone.”
Active Health Portland is due to open on March 12.
Dr Garde will relocate her practice to Active Health Portland. Along with additional general practitioners, the centre is
expected to offer diabetes education, dietitian services, an exercise physiologist, podiatry, mental health services,
physiotherapy, adolescent health education and a full-time practice nurse. Linda Thompson has been appointed as the
practice manager.
“All Portland doctors and allied health practitoners will be working together to make sure we are meeting the health needs of the region’s patients, and Active Health will help to
enhance this process,” Dr Garde said.

STORY BY Portland Observer, PICTURE BY Josh Nash-Portland Observer