An initiative close to the heart of the MacDougall Foundation is set to finally land in the Hunter next year.
Earlier this month, the Newcastle Knights legend and his wife expressed their desire to bring Street Side Medics to the region.
And, now, the pair will get their wish with organisation expanding its services to Newcastle, as well as Canberra, in 2026.
“We’re extremely enthusiastic about the work of Street Side Medics, which is undertaken by an entirely volunteer medical staff and supported by generous donations from individuals and businesses,” Belinda MacDougall said.
“Currently, there are a lot of people who can’t afford medicines or to visit a doctor.
“Our daughter hurt her neck just recently… and we had to race her to emergency.
“It was on a Tuesday night, but it felt like midnight on a Sunday (from years ago).
“I couldn’t believe how busy they were.
“Maybe, the arrival of Street Side Medics could alleviate that problem.
“It’s something Adam and I are really passionate about.”
The not-for-profit free GP-led project is the brainchild of 2022 Young Australian of the Year Dr Daniel Nour.
After supporting thousands of vulnerable Australians, it’s grown to operate four mobile medical clinics across Sydney, Melbourne and regional NSW.
The addition of two more vans, thanks to LSH Auto Australia, will allow Street Side Medics to increase its presence in Newcastle and the ACT.
The unique provision, which boasts a “no-turn-away policy” and concentrates on areas with demographically high concentrations of people experiencing homelessness across NSW and VIC, operates in partnership with existing food services, shelters and other homelessness-focussed providers to alleviate the burdens faced by those in accessing primary healthcare.
“[Today] Street Side Medics has 13 weekly mobile medical clinics, each run by an RACGP accredited General Practitioner, and more than 350 trained volunteers,” Dr Nour said.
“At the moment, we are reaching communities of people experiencing homelessness across two states.
“But, our national expansion will soon include both Newcastle and Canberra.
“I wish I could say this amazing team and resources are sufficient.
“However, the reality is that they simply are not.
“There is no let-up in the demand for our services.
“So, the ongoing support of our partners is critical if we are to expand and reach more vulnerable communities.”
If you would like to help Street Side Medics deliver much-needed care to those in need, visit https://www.streetsidemedics.com.au/
For more community stories:
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- The heart of local tennis calls time
- Sleapy’s care bags to provide much-needed support when it matters
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