Central Coast News

Hundreds of people from various industries and organisations flocked to the finals, where the crème de la crème of the local business world were recognised for their contribution to the regional economy and wider community.

A finalist in three categories, Excellence in Business Ethics, Excellence in Business Growth and Employer of Choice - earning an aggregate total that saw them take the overall honours.

Based in West Gosford, Reliance expanded with a second practice having opened in May this year, and another site set to open up in Erina in the coming months.

Reliance GP Super Clinic is the most comprehensive healthcare provider on the Central Coast; with over 25 GPs and an extensive range of allied health practitioners - from sleep medicine to podiatry and more - all under the one roof, and a business model based on growth through education and training.

The Clinic’s business model saw an increase of 100% in the last 6 months at the West Gosford practice alone, and plans to double the figure in the future, says Medical Director Dr. Rodney Beckwith. “Our model aims to manage demands from a changing local demographic and evolving patient needs,” says Dr Beckwith. In 2016 Reliance has opened 3 clinics for specific high volume areas; a sleep study clinic for sleep related illness including sleep apnoea, a flu clinic, and skin cancer clinic for specialised skin checks & procedures, with plans to open a women’s health clinic targeting obstetrics and more.

Nominated for Employer of choice, Reliance has a stringent recruitment process with ongoing training and education at the forefront of the organisation’s success. After an orientation workshop in cultural ethics and patient empathy, Reliance Doctors attend weekly training and education seminars on a diverse range of medical conditions. CEO Julie Abdilla believes maximising patient value through the knowledge and skills of staff is the key to a healthier community,  “We want to create a  foundation of knowledge for diagnoses and customised treatment plans.”

In addition to internal training, Reliance hosts seminars  open to the local community of general practitioners, nurses, carers and even patients.

Reliance participates in fundraising events for causes such as cancer research, autism awareness and local hospital funding - in addition to sponsorship of local sporting clubs and teams.

Dr Beckwith explains that the community sponsorship evolved to encourage a healthier community, having been selected as the Central Coast ambassador for the Children’s Medical Research Institute. “Our contribution to medical research not only serves the charity but also the wider community in finding cures for illness that affect so many lives,” states Dr Beckwith.

At the beginning of the year Reliance contributed a large sum for the sponsorship of local Surf Life Saving Club, claiming that local partnerships generate exposure and allow health professionals to communicate important health and safety messages in the community. North Avoca SLSC Club President Mathew Slattery explains, “The financial contribution from Reliance provides rescue equipment, surf rescue education and development, training subsidies, first aid and advanced resuscitation training.”

A finalist in the Employer of Choice category , Reliance offers a  variety of health and wellness initiatives to staff, such as a gym membership reimbursement, fresh fruit delivery, rewards and recognition, and allied health offers. Ms Abdilla explains the motivation behind the extensive program is “to provide a happy and healthy environment for our team.” Ms Abdilla reiterates that being in the health profession “we should lead by example and practice what we preach.”

Reliance and other category winners will go on to become automatic finalists representing the Central Coast in the the NSW Business Chamber State Awards. Ms Abdilla commented the Awards provide “a platform for business in the Central Coast region.”  Adding, “It is a night of recognition for outstanding achievement and contribution, and I would like to congratulate all the finalists.”  Reliance advocates support of small and local enterprises. “In the construction of our Wyong clinic we made sure all intermediaries were based on the Central Coast to support local businesses,” says Abdilla.