Where the patients own the practice. Click here to find out more about membership.

A model for local, community owned, health services

Westgate Health Co-op

Westgate Health Co-op was established in 1980 by committed residents in the South Kingsville/Spottswood area, in Melbourne’s West. Concerned at the lack of bulk-billing medical services in this disadvantaged neighbourhood, the residents decided to develop their own health service, and were able to attract a General Practitioner to start a medical practice.

Originally auspiced by the Social Services Department of the Baptist Union of Victoria, the service was ‘handed over’ to the local community in 1986 and became a registered, community advancement co-operative. It has maintained this structure for the last 24 years.

Now

Over the last thirty years, the organisation has grown substantially. There are over 5,000 members, and the co-op operates two centres, South Kingsville and Newport. The organisation provides a wide range of health service, dentistry, physiotherapy, acupuncture, naturopathy, audiology and psychology. A total of 30 health professionals and support staff work for the organisation.

Importantly, in its history Westgate Health Co-op has provided a range of other services, more usually associated with community development, that have also contributed to the quality of health care and health promotion in the area. These include” voluntary transport, free counselling and a ‘casserole bank’ provided to sick patients, particularly mothers. The Co-op was also instrumental in developing”Learning for “Life”, a community craft and learning program. In summary, Westgate Health is a comprehensive, and integrated, community health organisation.

As a result of this history, the organisation has a unique place in the community. It is a central hub of the local area and is an institution that is much loved and respected. Westgate Health has contributed greatly to social capital and has had a significant impact on how local residents see their community and their own capacity to bring change in the local area.

Philosophy & Structure

The philosophy of Westgate Health is based on the principles of co-operation: co-operation between patients and health professionals in caring for the health needs of the community; and co-operation between staff, management and co-op members in the governance and support of the organisation.

We believe that this increases the impact we have on health care, and it also contributes to common learning and empowerment.

As a non-profit organisation, any surplus from operations remains in the organisation, and is used to develop the mission and services of the Co-op. Westgate Health receives no state or federal funding, but relies on membership fees, bulk-billing rebates and fee for-service activities.

Membership fees are structured to optimise access to health services for low income users and members.

What’s so special about Westgate Health?

Westgate Health Co-op (WGHC) is unique. It is a registered community co-operative that:

- Operates two General Practice Medical Centres;
- Provides cost-effective dental surgery;
- Offers a range of allied health services.

More importantly the organisation is owned by its users - over 5,000 of them - who elect a local Board of Directors to oversee the operation and development of the Co-op.

- Quality Health Care
- Bulk-billed and/or Affordable Services
- Community Ownership & Control

Board of Directors

Directors are elected by Financial members to oversee the running of the Co-operative. The chairperson of the board is Cheryl Teng.