Southern Cross University Paediatric Speech Pathology clinic now open in Coffs Harbour

The supervised student-led clinic at Southern Cross University Coffs Harbour campus opens at set times during the year. Limited places are now available for the clinic between July and October. A separate clinic will run from October to December.

Southern Cross University Health Clinic Manager Brenda Allan said the clinics were essential for providing students with real life opportunities for clinical education, research and practical experience in the health care industry.

“For anyone receiving treatment at Southern Cross University Health Clinic, their practitioner will be a senior student who is closely supervised by a fully-qualified and accredited practitioner,” she said.

“Senior students work closely with their supervisor and together make decisions about each patient’s health care, offer advice and identify appropriate treatment.

“Our clinics are very welcoming and friendly with empathy and compassion front and centre for the people we serve.”

For three-year-old Oliver, attending a speech clinic at Southern Cross University’s Coffs Harbour campus became a highlight of his week.

His dad Adam Bollinger said the student-led clinic exceeded the family’s expectations with its professionalism, easy access and good location.

“My wife found out about the clinic at Southern Cross around the same time she had become a bit concerned about a delay in Oliver’s speech,” Adam said.

“We’ve been attending the clinic for about four weeks now with third-year Speech Pathology student Sophie Cross, and we’ve already noticed a significant improvement with Oliver’s speech.

“We met Sophie’s supervisor Melissa Kemp the first week, and since then Sophie hosts the session from start to finish and we receive a report soon after.

“The sessions include intentionally focussing on his words and game-based play and different activities trying to identify objects and speaking things through, which Oliver really enjoys.

“We’ve had a great experience with Sophie and have received some helpful activities to do at home with Oliver.”

The next Speech Pathology clinic at Southern Cross University Health Clinic Coffs Harbour will begin mid-July, with limited places now available. For enquiries please phone 02 6626 9131 to complete an intake form.

Meanwhile, Southern Cross University Health Clinics at Lismore and the Gold Coast also offer quality allied health care for a fraction of the usual cost. Services available on the Gold Coast and Lismore include Exercise Physiology, Osteopathy and Speech Pathology, with Podiatry offered at the Gold Coast only. Appointments range from $8 – 35 depending on the service. Email clinic@scu.edu.au or call the Gold Coast clinic on 07 5589 3252 or for Lismore clinic on 02 6626 9131.