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A new medical service is giving homeless and socially disadvantaged people in Dubbo greater access to healthcare, with a fortnightly mobile clinic now providing free GP services to those who may otherwise struggle to see a doctor.
The initiative came about through research into how health services could better support people experiencing homelessness. The project resulted from a grant from the Commonwealth Government to the Western Community Council for the Western Primary Health Network (WPHN) and local homelessness support services, including the St Vincent de Paul Care and Support Team.
Chairperson for the Western Community Council for the WPHN Rhonda Gleeson said it quickly became clear that many people experiencing homelessness do not access mainstream health services.
“Homeless people do not generally access mainstream services for a number of reasons, including cost, availability, isolation, rejection and embarrassment,” Rhonda said.
With a small amount of funding secured to trial the service in Dubbo, Dr Mark Tattersall from Bourke is now providing a medical clinic every second Friday in Dubbo and every second Saturday in Narromine.
The clinic operates from a self-contained medical truck which is parked at locations accessible to people who need the service, including near the St Vincent de Paul facilities and Ollie Robbins Oval.
Importantly, clients can access GP services at no cost. The service is not limited to people experiencing homelessness, with those who are struggling financially and unable to afford to visit a doctor also able to access the clinic.
The service also provides access to drug and alcohol resources and treatment programs. The aim is to remove some of the barriers that can prevent vulnerable members of the community from seeking medical attention, while providing an opportunity for health concerns to be addressed before they become more serious.
Organisers are hoping people experiencing homelessness and social disadvantage in Dubbo will take advantage of the service. The uptake of the clinic will also be important in demonstrating the need for ongoing support and funding.
“We are hoping that the homeless and socially disadvantaged people in Dubbo will access this service so that we can put a case for long-term funding for the project,” the Western Community Council chairperson said.
The mobile clinic represents a practical approach to bringing healthcare directly to people who may find it difficult to navigate traditional medical services.
By meeting people where they are and providing a safe, accessible and free service, the project aims to help ensure that financial circumstances or social disadvantage are not barriers to receiving essential healthcare.