- 360 Street Doctor's new clinic on wheels hits the road
- Service clocks up more than 20 years delivering health care to Perth suburbs
- The Cook Government funded service provides accessible and non-judgemental service to people experiencing homelessness
Perth's newest mobile GP clinic has hit the road - taking doctors and health care to the suburbs.
The Cook Government-funded 360 Street Doctor service provides an accessible, non-judgemental health service for people experiencing homelessness, who are transient or facing disadvantage.
First established in 2001 by a local GP who identified a need for primary health care for people living rough, 360 Street Doctor sees thousands of people every year - providing all the services of a conventional general practice - but on wheels.
The 360 Street Doctor provides more than 3,400 consultations annually - treating people across the Perth metropolitan area.
This innovative service takes the clinic to clients at familiar locations on a regular timetable, often treating people who may be unwilling or unable to access more traditional health services.
The mobile clinics are staffed by GPs, registered nurses, outreach workers, Aboriginal health practitioners, and a pharmacist.
They travel to selected Perth metropolitan locations based on areas of need and availability of nearby support services - co-locating with services such as drug and alcohol assistance, and mental health support so clients can easily access this help at the same time.
The newest mobile clinic is a valuable addition to the service's aging fleet.
With a price tag of $242,000, the new truck has had a complete medical fit-out with new diagnostic equipment, an energy efficient dual power management system, and the very latest technology - including options to access telehealth services.
It has enhanced security to ensure the safety of clients and clinicians, and improved accessibility for clients who need mobility assistance.
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The 360 Street Doctor service provides everything a traditional GP does but in an outreach environment - making health care more accessible for many people.
"These mobile clinics also create a social hub with access to associated community supports for clients attending appointments.
"It's exciting to see the newest mobile clinic on the road - providing essential health care to those in our community who really need it."
