Arabic version: ستريت سايد ميديكس توسّع الرعاية الأسبوعية إلى كانبيرا

According to ABC News, Street Side Medics has expanded to the ACT after operating in Sydney and Melbourne, bringing weekly medical care to people who are homeless or living in insecure housing. The mobile service has soft-launched in Canberra ahead of its official opening this week and currently operates once a week in Civic.

Founded by former Young Australian of the Year Dr Daniel Nour, Street Side Medics was created to help people for whom healthcare can be pushed behind immediate concerns including shelter, food and companionship. Dr Nour said financial barriers, Medicare status, past negative experiences, stigma and embarrassment could make people reluctant to seek care. He also said building trust with people who may have been let down by the system would take time.

The volunteer team includes a general practitioner, nurses, allied health professionals and other volunteers. It provides care in a no-questions-asked setting, with access available regardless of a person’s name, status or living arrangements. Doctor Sarah Peters said the team can attend to medical needs, take blood, arrange investigations and referrals, provide medication and support, while seeking to build continuity of care through follow-up plans.

The van operates with Vinnies Roadhouse at the Griffin Centre on Genge Street. Chief executive Nic Brown said 50 per cent of people seen by the service did not have a Medicare card, while low ACT bulk-billing rates and the difficulty of accessing care without a fixed address added to barriers. Street Side Medics intends to expand beyond its current Civic location and has invited other services interested in partnering to get in touch.