For an industrial chemist, an introduction to community health opened up a different world in which he could make a significant contribution as a board member.
Beechworth resident Klaus Baumgartel is a long-serving board member of Gateway Health, having joined the then Gateway Community Heath in 1997.
Over the past 27 years, he has seen the organisation significantly grow following the merger with Wangaratta’s Ovens and King Community Health in 2014.
“In 2014, there were some shared capabilities and some significant differences but even combined, the organisation was much smaller than today,” Klaus said.
“ Community Health was well respected in Upper Hume providing a range of services not dissimilar to today. At that stage there was no GP Clinic, so there was more of a reliance on referrals.
“Ovens and King had GPs and Allied Health as well as some services that overlapped with Gateway.
“The merger created a service with much broader capabilities and economic viability.”
At the time of the merger, each site had new buildings which Klaus said provided a springboard for the future.
“In 2014, community health was well respected, but not that well known. It was the poor cousin of the health sector. Clients had a high regard for Gateway Community Health, but word was yet to get out more broadly,” Klaus said.
“Over the 10 years since, there has been significant growth in size and program delivery mix.
“Areas such as alcohol and other drug, domestic violence and mental health have grown dramatically as demand for services has grown.
“Gateway has developed into a much more mature organisation, able to champion causes such as reconciliation, sexual health and LGBTIQA+ health.
“Having GPs as part of the mix has meant internal referrals are possible and more whole of person care possibilities.”
To meet the need for mental health services, Gateway Health has increased service delivery in this area with the inclusion of headspace, the Therapeutic Community and the Psychology Clinic.
The natural disasters the region experienced in the past five years have also seen an increase in demand for specialised services.
“There has been a growing need for place-based services, and this was the case with disaster scenarios. Some communities were severely affected and Gateway Health played a significant role in recovery,” Klaus said.
“But it is also related to the ageing population and a need for local services around nutrition, loneliness and healthy ageing in general.
“I see this as one of the great strengths of Gateway Health – the ability to work with genuine initiative based on knowledge of the individual communities.”
For Klaus, the passion for community health continues.
“I have absolutely loved my time on the board of Gateway Health. It has been a privilege to work with so many dedicated directors and staff.
“My background is in industrial chemistry, so my time on the board has shown me a different world which I have enjoyed learning about and working in.
“I think as a board member I was able to achieve things much more significant than in my own profession.”
This July marks the 10th anniversary of the merger of Gateway Community Health in Wodonga and Ovens & King Community Health Service in Wangaratta.
Today, Gateway Health is a charitable, not-for-profit community health organisation providing affordable healthcare, support services, community programs, and outreach initiatives across North East Victoria and parts of southern NSW.
The needs of rural and regional people and communities are our priority when delivering quality care across sites in Wodonga, Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Benalla and Shepparton.
