People experiencing homelessness in Nowra can now receive free health care as Street Side Medics, a not-for-profit, GP-led mobile medical service, expands its services to the region.

The Nowra mobile clinic was officially opened by Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park and COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN.

Jointly funded by the Australian Government, through COORDINARE, and the NSW Government, this is Street Side Medics’ first regional clinic.

Located at Shoalhaven Homeless Hub at 93 Plunkett Street in Nowra, the clinic operates from 10am – 12pm each Tuesday.

The clinic is staffed by a dedicated team of volunteer general practitioners, specialists, junior doctors and registered nurses.

The brainchild of 2022 Young Australian of the Year, Dr Daniel Nour, Street Side Medics provides free primary healthcare to vulnerable Australians via fully equipped and customised mobile medical units which on a weekly basis visit areas with demographically high concentrations of homelessness.

Mrs Phillips MP said the Albanese Labor Government has delivered $2.6 million over four years to Street Side Medics.

“We are committed to ensuring all Australians have access to health care that is equitable, affordable, and inclusive for people of all backgrounds and living situations," she said.

"People who experience homelessness are at a significantly higher risk of suffering from poor physical and mental health.

"It is so important that vulnerable people in the Shoalhaven can now access this service."

Minister Park said he was proud to support the dedicated team at Street Side Medics who "work incredibly hard to ensure some of the most vulnerable people in our community can access advice and treatment for acute and chronic health issues".

“I am deeply grateful for the time they volunteer to support those in our community experiencing homelessness, who often face barriers when it comes to accessing health care,” he added.

COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN CEO Prudence Buist said: "We’re thrilled that Street Side Medics is expanding into Nowra".

"Through our network, we’re encouraging local health professionals particularly GPs, other specialists, and PGY3+ junior doctors to get involved by volunteering just two hours a month to support this important initiative.

“Since November 2022, COORDINARE has proudly partnered with Street Side Medics to support the weekly Wollongong clinic, delivering primary healthcare to people facing housing insecurity.

"We remain committed to building a health system across South Eastern NSW that is equitable, affordable, and inclusive for people of all backgrounds and living situations.”

"People who experience homelessness are at a significantly higher risk of suffering from poor physical and mental health. This is due to multiple, complex barriers such as stigma, health care costs, transport access, service awareness, cultural or linguistic barriers, missing documentation or lack of a regular, trusted health care provider," Ms Buist said.

Health care treatment provided by Street Side Medics is bulk-billed, but for those without Medicare, or any other limitations preventing Medicare payment, Street Side Medics has a no-turn-away policy and attends to all patients free of charge.

Their services include health examinations, diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, establishing health care plans, immunisations, pathology services, nutritional advice, minor surgical procedures, and referrals to other providers.

"The team aims to deliver a tailored service designed to meet the individual needs of patients with a particular focus on addressing mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and chronic disease prevention and management issues,” Ms Buist added.

Dr Nour said it was often very difficult for those experiencing homelessness to prioritise their health or access appropriate health care.

"That's why Street Side Medics works in collaboration with other service providers, it better positions us to play a part in alleviating the barriers that limit vulnerable peoples’ access to primary health care,” he said.

“Street Side Medics has proven the value of a mobile healthcare model. Mobile clinics like ours play a vital role, bringing care directly to vulnerable people who’d otherwise go without.

"But for long-term change, we need more than pockets of innovation. We need to scale what works, connect services, and commit, as a nation, to doing better.

“Street Side Medics will continue our support of vulnerable Australians and we’d be deeply grateful to the people of Nowra for supporting us in any way that they can. Head to our website for an overview of how you can help."

You can learn more about Street Side Medics via streetsidemedics.com.au