Clinical leadership underpins Alliance activities

The Health Alliance recently welcomed local health professionals, GP Dr Kristen Riley and Geriatrician Dr Lucy Dakin to the team supporting the Ageing Well Initiative.

Health Alliance General Manager Professor Don Matheson said the combined expertise of Dr Riley and Dr Dakin will ensure that the improvements being developed within the Ageing Well Initiative are well-grounded in insights from the front line of healthcare delivery.

“We welcome Drs Riley and Dakin to the Health Alliance and we anticipate their valuable insights and local knowledge,” Professor Matheson said.

With many years’ experience as a GP, Dr Riley has spent the last three years delivering medical services specifically to residential aged care facilities across North Brisbane. As a General Practice Liaison Officer (GLPO), Dr Riley will provide clinical advice and leadership to support the Ageing Well Initiative to improve the way the health system responds to older people.

Also joining the team is Dr Lucy Dakin, a geriatrician from The Prince Charles Hospital who brings a hospital-specialist lens to Ageing Well Initiative activities. Dr Dakin sees in her daily practice the negative consequences of poorly coordinated care, particularly for frail older people, and is keen to work more closely with general practice to improve the clinical management of this vulnerable group.

“Together, Dr Riley and Dr Dakin, along with the support of other local GPs and specialists, will assist the Health Alliance with codesigning an improved interface between hospital, primary and community services.”

For more information about the Health Alliance’s activities, visit www.healthalliance.org.au.