Canberra has a new not-for-profit GP led mobile medical service – and it needs your help
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Street Side Medics is preparing to launch as Canberra’s winter takes hold to provide free healthcare to those experiencing disadvantage – but before it can hit the road, it needs some help.
Calling on Canberra-based healthcare professionals to join its volunteer team ahead of the launch of its first ACT clinic, the new medical clinic on wheels is seeking support from those interested in helping those doing it tough.
Side Street Medics plans to operate every Thursday from 5 pm until 7 pm at the Griffin Centre at 20 Genge Street, and is not only seeking support from local GPs but is also in need of other volunteers – from medical practitioners to van drivers – all willing to work just one two-hour shift per month.
“The Street Side Medics model is entirely volunteer driven,” explains Street Side Medics Operations Manager, Leanne Akiki.
“We rely on the support of local healthcare professionals and community members to deliver our clinics, which operate from the same location each week. This consistency not only increases our reach but importantly, helps build trust and continuity of care with our patients.
Side Street Medics will provide everything from general health check-ups to chronic disease screening, immunisations, acute infectious screening (including HIV, Hep C, Hep B, and STIs), nutritional advice, minor surgical procedures and referrals to appropriate medical specialists. They will also be working in close partnership with St Vincent de Paul Society’s Vinnies Roadhouse.
Also operating from the Griffin Centre, the partnership will allow vulnerable members of the community to access free medical care via Street Side Medics’ fully customised mobile clinic in a safe and welcoming space.
“People experiencing homelessness often face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, including cost, transport limitations, lack of awareness of services, and past negative experiences that can lead to mistrust,” says Leanne.
“To help address these barriers, Street Side Medics provides bulk-billed care for Medicare card holders. For those without Medicare, or where payment is not possible, we operate a no-turn-away policy and ensure all patients are seen free of charge.”
Founded by 2022 Young Australian of the Year Daniel Nour, Street Side Medics launched in 2020 and currently operates multiple clinics across New South Wales and Victoria. Leanne says that the charity focuses on areas with high concentrations of people experiencing homelessness, and the expansion to Canberra is an important step in supporting those in the ACT experiencing homelessness.
“Our expansion into Canberra is part of a long-term strategy to ensure as many Australians as possible can access primary healthcare,” she says.
“We’re grateful for the support of government and organisations including the John James Foundation, which is helping make this expansion into the ACT possible.”
Anyone interested in learning more about how to support Street Side Medics are encouraged to visit streetsidemedics.com.au or email volunteer@streetsidemedics.com.au.
Feature image: Founder Dr Daniel Nour.
