Cost-effective Allied Health services offered at Southern Cross University Health Clinic

Southern Cross University Health Clinic provides a quality and dedicated primary health care service to the community at the Gold Coast, in Lismore and Coffs Harbour, for members of the public as well as students and staff.

Located at each campus, the University’s Health Clinic is an affordable way to receive specialised treatment, while contributing to essential student learning.

Services available on the Gold Coast and Lismore include Exercise Physiology, Osteopathy and Speech Pathology, with Podiatry offered at the Gold Coast only. The Health Clinic in Coffs Harbour offers a paediatric Speech Pathology clinic at pre-determined times during the year.

Southern Cross University Health Clinic Manager Brenda Allan said the clinics are 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, your 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, from paediatrics clients through to the elderly.”

Appointments start at $7 a session for Exercise Physiology. Osteopathy initial consultations are free, with return visits costing $30 per session (with a Concession card) or $35. Speech Pathology initial consultations are $30, with return visits costing $25. Podiatry sessions cost $25.

All ages are welcome, and no referrals are needed. To book an appointment at Southern Cross University Health Clinic email clinic@scu.edu.au or call the Gold Coast clinic on 07 5589 3252 or for Lismore clinic on 02 6626 9131. Anyone looking to book a paediatric Speech Pathology appointment at Coffs Harbour can call the Lismore clinic to complete an intake form to be put on the waiting list.

Gold Coast clinic services (07 5589 3252): Exercise Physiology, Osteopathy, Speech Pathology, Podiatry

Lismore clinic services (02 6626 9131): Exercise Physiology and Osteopathy

Coffs Harbour clinic services (02 6626 9131): Speech Pathology (at pre-set times each year)

Client testimonial

Northern Rivers local Chrissi Claff (pictured), a client of the student-led clinic, said it’s been “a real gift to go and see an osteo on a regular basis”.

As a cancer survivor living with osteoarthritis Chrissi has been treated by a variety of students in the four years since she began attending osteopathy and exercise physiology appointments.

“At such a discounted rate, these appointments are very cost effective. Previously I would only see an osteopath about five times a year, but now I know about the student clinic it is very affordable for me to get the treatments I need every week or each fortnight,” Chrissi said.

“I’ve previously had cancer and have osteoarthritis in my knees and had quite a range of treatments for that, and so I need ongoing support for my knees while I wait for surgery.

“The student practitioners are great. I have found they are willing to go the distance and put in the research for how they can best help. They are very thorough and always checking in with their supervisor to make sure they’re aligned with what needs to be done.

“I like working with the students – they’re fresh, wanting to learn and apply their techniques and there’s nothing old or outdated about the way they’re treating clients.

“I recommend the services to others in the community. People should avail themselves of the services on offer.”