Newsletter for the Rotary Club of Western Endeavour - Issue No.: 405 Issue Date: 5 Sep, 2010

This week we heard from Deena Chalmers, Publications and Education Officerfor the Perth Primary Ca re Network, regarding the Street Doctor program.  Street Doctor is a program which aims to bring health services to some of the severely disadvantaged people living on and around the streets of Perth.

The Street Doctor program employs a team of GPs, registered nurses and outreach workers, who attend different sites in Perth and Northbridge.  Using a mobile van with a GP surgery set up in the back, including doctor's desk, diagnosis bed and nurse's station, the service attends sites that will provide homeless and other disadvantaged populations with access to health care.  The outreach worker is generally the first point of contact, even for a casual chat, followed by visits to the nurse and GP as needed.  The program bulk bills its clients, though this can be problematic for those people without a Medicare number or other paperwork, so part of the focus is on being able to set up Medicare accounts for each person as necessary.

The program aims to cater for those most disadvantaged, and unlikely to access "conventional" medical care.  Target groups include youth, homeless, those with a mental illness, indigenous, drug users, sexually at risk, and CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse). Most functions of a typical general practice are carried out on the Street Doctor including ECG, spirometery, Pap smears, suturing, with an emphasis on vaccination, BBV testing and counselling. Additional services provided by the Street Doctor include: minor wound dressings; treatment of infections; immunisations; general health checks, e.g. blood pressure, height and weight, blood sugar levels; STI testing; pregnancy testing; harm minimisation of risky behaviours; pro-active health promotion; attending health expos and youth events.

Analysis of the demographics attending street doctor reveals an approximate parallel of the homeless population - 15% are 16 years of age or less, 39% are 17-25, 20% are 26-35, 19% are 36-50 and 7% are over 50.  There are many "presenting ailments" for which contact with the Street Doctor is initially sought with ear, nose and throat issues being the most common, though there is often an underlying issue that is the real cause for seeking medical help.

The program receives government funding for its operational costs, but no money for capital expenditure.  With the van currently being used being over 10 years old and overdue for replacement, Street Doctor is trying to raise the $110,000 needed to replace it.  Barbara Abbott from North Perth Rotary Club has taken on the job of coordinating contact with Rotary, so hopefully we can help out!

It was also great to welcome our new exchange student Vicky.  We hope that she'll have a wonderful year with Western Endeavour!