Redefining community healthcare, Alike Health champions inclusive, personalised care for everyone
It was in June 2024 that Alike Health was first conceptualised by Dr Liz Thompson, a doctor-founded and led multiclinician hub for all walks of people.
Operating out of the same location at The Junction is Aesthetics at Alike, the cosmetic branch of Alike Health which was inspired by Liz’s patients, who would often joke during their medical botulinum toxin treatments for spasticity, 'You may as well add some here while you're at it.'
It was these offhand comments that gave Liz the idea to launch Aesthetics at Alike with the profits enabling Liz to bulk bill her medical clients who might otherwise be unable to access private health care.
As a doctor-led clinic, Aesthetics at Alike is also well positioned to navigate upcoming reforms aimed at raising the standard of the cosmetic industry in Australia.
Liz’s vision for Alike Health was to cater to all, but to specifically champion those with intellectual disability, a population who are often relegated to less than exceptional standards of care.
Being trauma-informed and mindful of the importance of safe spaces, Alike Health aims to foster a sense of inclusion, worth and kindness to all who visit. With a flat-lay change zone replacing a "normal" toilet, two ceiling hoists and staff trained in appropriate manual handling, Aesthetics at Alike may also just be Australia's first completely accessible cosmetic clinic.
It was while Liz was on maternity leave that she began designing and developing Alike Health alongside her partner, Michael, drawing on his support and the insights he’d gained from running his own successful small business.
“Alike Health has been a lifelong percolation, not necessarily even a dream because I didn't feel I could execute it".
As fate would have it, Liz welcomed their fourth child in the very same week Alike Health opened its doors.
Co-designed with lived experience consultants, Alike Health has been brought to life through the dedicated design of interior architect Claire Collins.
Claire listened to Liz, who had a strict brief around all disability and non-disability populations being catered to, yet meeting high standards as such that you would see in high-end boutique aesthetic clinics. Matt McClaren and Alex McKinnon provided the lived experience co-design with Alex then going onto join the team as Chief Growth Officer.
Having trained in psychology, together with his experience in HR, it was Alex’s skill set that Liz could see would bring great value to Alike Health.
As a rehabilitation medicine specialist, Liz works with people living with complex, chronic disabilities and provides sedation for procedures that may be challenging for some - particularly those with significant sensory processing difficulties.
Alike Health also offers access to psychiatrists and paediatricians, with all medical specialists supported by a team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists to ensure more holistic and effective care.
“We work with both children and adults, and rehab medicine looks at any reversible medical issues such as - spasticity that might benefit from some medication, it also includes fitting someone who is in a wheelchair properly, to pain management, communication techniques and feeding.
“It’s all of the functional aspects of living, and making sure someone is getting the best out of their life.”
“The allied health team not only join in for medical reviews but also have their own busy clinical caseloads and are pioneering some exciting collaborations, as overseen by Alex.”
The beautifully designed space feels less like a clinical environment, and more like a luxurious retreat. From the calming colour scheme, elegant furnishings and completely sound proofed rooms, clients can even enjoy a quality cup of coffee or glass of sparkling water whilst waiting for their appointment. The clinic is elegant and dignified, all the while meeting hospital grade standards.
Alike Health also provides health professionals with hot desk opportunities which allow for a safe working space, which isn’t always the case when service professionals need to visit client homes.
Alike Health was a bold concept and intentionally so, with Dr Liz and Michael setting out to create a health service that they couldn’t find anywhere else – one that is for everyone and one that offers dignity, is easily accessible, and is focused on excellence and innovation particularly around disability, health and awareness.
