ATUNE Health Centres provides an integrated approach to medicine,and healthcare. Its purpose-built facility houses 18 different health disciplines under one roof,which collaborate to support the client’s wellbeing.
ATUNE Health Centres has synergy at its centre.Supplied
It’s very different to the traditional medical centre model,under which space in the centre is leased to different practitioners that are typically autonomous. Clients are seen individually by healthcare providers,who don’t combine their expertise. So,rather than five different people providing a medical opinion,patients receive coordinated management from up to five team members who all work together.
“Whether they are a medical specialist,GP or a member of the admin team,everybody who works here works for the business,so there is synergy between the practitioners,” says Simon Ashley,director,ATUNE Health Centres. The Newcastle-based business offers therapies including dietetics,naturopathy,psychology and oncology.
“Clients receive a continuity approach to their condition,with their medical journey mapped out,” explains Ashley,who says research indicates this results in better outcomes and experiences for the patient.
To reinforce the holistic approach to health ATUNE is pioneering,the business is also home to a wholefoods café and health food store,to enable patients to make choices that support their nutrition. This also makes it easier for patients to follow any advice from their health practitioners about good food choices.
“Many health conditions are a result of lifestyle factors,or created from lifestyle factors,therefore they become chronic. Our approach can help people change their relationship with food and assist them to become healthier. On top of that,we offer services such as cryotherapy,infrared saunas and holistic dentists. We provide a whole person,integrated care model,from one centre which makes us unique,” he adds.
Revolutionary model
ATUNE’s model is already a popular way for medical services to be delivered in other markets including the UK and US,with the model undergoing some adjustments to suit the Australian healthcare system.
Ashley says a novel approach to funding was required given he owns both the business and the building from which it operates. “Westpac recognises the revolutionary medical model we deliver and its complexities. But the team also appreciates the strength of our business and the fact we’re the future of healthcare,notwithstanding our model is different to the norm.”
Westpac supports ATUNE Health Centres’ revolutionary medical model.Supplied
Westpac provided the funds to develop the specialist facility from which ATUNE operates. It also supplies a range of different business finance facilities.
Westpac’s national head of healthcare and professional services Kaizaad Mehta notes the bank’s deep industry expertise,coupled with the exceptional banking experience it delivers,means it can support its healthcare customers through every stage of their business life cycle.
“This includes helping to manage funding options,as well as tapping into a well-connected advisory network to support our clients reimagine a way of doing business,” says Mehta.
“We’re excited to support integrated ventures such as ATUNE. These business models have gained traction internationally due to the efficiencies they enable. Additionally,when healthcare practitioners and specialist doctors come together,what’s achieved is a superior,patient-centered outcome,” he adds.
As Mehta notes,setting up and executing an integrated model can be complex and requires support from a network of advisers. “At Westpac we have experienced,specialist bankers who help customers with this unique journey.”
ATUNE has a bright future,having ridden the ups and downs of COVID in its first year of operation. “Our aim now is to consolidate what we’ve learned this year and explore opportunities to roll out the model across Australia,” Ashley says.
His expansion plan will no doubt benefit the many Australians seeking a new approach health.
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