Lake Cathie Medical Centre owner and doctor Samuel Nelapati said the development application was recently approved by the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council. 

He said it would be of great benefit to the wider Camden Haven community. 

“It will open up easy access to these facilities, so that people will no longer have to travel to hospital for treatment,” he said. 

“It will ease the pressure off hospitals.” 

Dr Nelapati said as there is an ageing population the new health facilities, including the hydrotherapy pool, will aid people in nursing homes who need to develop their muscles, without putting pressure on their joints. 

“Hydrotherapy is so beneficial for people that are preparing for, or recovering from joint replacements as well as those that suffer from arthritis,” he said. 

“Our aim is to also open up the pool to the wider community for activities such as arthritis classes, balance/ mobility classes and social aqua aerobic classes.”

“It’s not only for the older demographic but also for anyone who wants to improve their health, has a neurological injury, disability or a disorder such as cerebral palsy.”

The facilities, Dr Nelapati said, will also assist in helping to keep people independent for as long as possible.

“The additional floor space will allow the staff to expand fall and prevention programs and pilates classes,” he said. 

“This will not only increase our patients’ health and well being, but help to educate on the importance of prevention.”

By providing additional rooms and resources, the new hub will provide a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation service.

“This will mean increased numbers of physiotherapists as well as expanding allied health services to eventually include occupational therapists and exercise physiologists,” Dr Nelapati said. 

Dr Nelapati said the development is set to cost about $1.5 million and construction is expected to start in November.