a day ago
Travelling medical service now available in Mandurah weekly
Freo Street Doctors have extended their partnership with Mandurah charity Bridge Builders to visit every Monday, excluding public holidays, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
Bridge Builders connected with Black Swan Health earlier this year, who were seeking to expand the Fremantle Street Doctors service into Mandurah, through its involvement in the City of Mandurah's Homeless and Street Present Network.
Recognising the need for accessible healthcare for people experiencing homelessness or financial hardship, Bridge Builders offered their site as a potential service location.
Black Swan Street Doctor services are entirely free and staffed by medical professionals who provide immediate, comprehensive care or refer patients to other services.
They conduct more than 4500 consultations annually, with more than 35 per cent of patients identifying as homeless and 38 per cent identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
More than 80 per cent of their clients present with multiple medical conditions, and for more than 90 per cent, the Black Swan Health Street Doctor serves as their primary healthcare provider.
The Street Doctors began operating at Bridge Builders onsite in March on a fortnightly basis, with the plan to become a weekly service as staffing and volunteer capacity grew.
Bridge Builders CEO Kelly Hinder said the centre was excited the service had finally been able to offer help weekly.
'This collaboration is a perfect example of what happens when local organisations work together for the good of the community,' she said.
'Fremantle Street Doctors bring vital healthcare directly to people who often face the biggest barriers in accessing it. Having them alongside our other support services makes a huge difference.'
Ms Hinder said Bridge Builders aimed to break down barriers so people could get the help they need in one safe, welcoming place.
'For almost 20 years, Bridge Builders has been part of the Mandurah community, running entirely without government funding. Every program we deliver is shaped by what we see happening locally and by listening to the people experiencing these challenges first-hand,' she said.
'Collaborations like this are only possible because our community believes in us, and we hope that support continues so we can keep delivering for those who need it most.'
