Mobile GP

When was the last time you felt truly listened to by your doctor? For many, it's not just about treatment, it's about being treated as a human. Unfortunately, stigma can stand in the way of care, especially for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Enter Dr. Shish Malgwa, a Telehealth GP from Atticus Health, with over 10 years of experience and a true passion for holistic, patient-centred care. In the Mobile GP program, he’s not just delivering medical support, he’s offering something far more valuable: ??????????????. Dr. Shish takes the time to truly listen, offering 30-minute consultations where patients can speak openly, knowing they’re valued. And the demand is real. Dr. Shish is fully booked tomorrow, and it's a testament to the trust he’s built within the community. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard, and Dr. Shish is helping us make that possible.

Imagine facing every day with uncertainty, not knowing where you’ll sleep tonight or where your next meal will come from. Now, imagine trying to navigate the healthcare system in that chaos. For people experiencing homelessness, this is a reality and it’s a reality we can change. Dr. Gabriel Maia, our Telehealth GP from Atticus Health, is on the frontlines of that change. With nearly 20 years of medical experience, apart from treating people, he’s building relationships and providing a level of stability. For those at risk of homelessness, continuity of care is EVERYTHING. When you have a trusted GP who knows your history, understands your struggles, and is there for the long haul, you get a partner in health. When someone is admitted to the Emergency Department, having a regular GP like Dr. Maia means the hospital can send the discharge summary directly to him. The result? Seamless continuity of care. Dr. Maia has access to the latest treatment information, meaning less time wasted on repeating tests or treatments, and faster recovery for the patient. We’re proud to have Dr. Maia as part of our Mobile GP program. This continuity changes outcomes.

This Thursday, we’ll be enrolling our 60th person into the Mobile GP project. It’s a huge milestone, but the work doesn’t stop here. Every day, we’re finding new ways to embed these services deeper into our communities, ensuring fewer people fall through the cracks and more people are given the continuity of healthcare they deserve. We’re here to build a system that works for everyone, we’re creating a model that changes the game for healthcare accessibility, preventative care, relationships and most importantly the continuity of healthcare. Why? Because we want less people left behind and more people empowered to take control of their health, regardless of where they’re at in life. Access to care should be a right, not a privilege. And with every person we enrol, we get one step closer to making that a reality. Learn more here: ??https://lnkd.in/ggFBrjnU

This morning, I had the pleasure of meeting with Sue Hookey, MD from the The Royal Melbourne Hospital. We reflected on how far we’ve come in delivering healthcare to people experiencing homelessness. Back in 2012, the Street Health program was breaking ground, bringing medical care directly to those in need. Fast forward to today, and our Mobile GP project is building on that same foundation, this time, with both face-to-face and Telehealth appointments to improve access even further. The goal remains unchanged: ?? To provide an easily accessible, nonjudgmental, multidisciplinary medical service for the most disadvantaged people in Melbourne. ??To create an access point to the healthcare system for homeless and transient people ??To empower disadvantaged and marginalised people to engage confidently with the health system and improve their knowledge of health and wellbeing ?? To strengthen partnerships with health and community support services in North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) , building strong referral pathways to other relevant services and specialists. A great conversation with Sue and a timely reminder that innovation isn’t always about reinventing the wheel, it’s more about adapting and evolving to meet real-world needs. #HealthcareForAll #Telehealth #Homelessness #AccessToCare #Primarycare

Every day in Melbourne, thousands of people experiencing homelessness are forced to make an impossible choice: go without healthcare or navigate a system that wasn’t built for them. Traditional healthcare doesn’t work for everyone. When you don’t have a fixed address, can’t afford transport, or have faced stigma in medical settings, seeing a doctor becomes a luxury. That’s why so many health conditions go unchecked until it’s too late. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be this way. Through the Mobile GP program, we’re proving that healthcare can meet people where they are. We’re embedding doctors into Melbourne’s homeless relief services to provide medical care, telehealth access, and integrated home care for those over 65. The results? ?? More people getting timely treatment ?? Fewer preventable hospital visits ?? Stronger connections between healthcare & social services ?? A system that actually works for the people who need it most If you work in homeless relief services, let’s talk. The Mobile GP model is scalable, effective, and ready to expand. We’re looking for new partners who share our vision of a healthcare system that serves everyone, no exceptions. ?? Drop us a message or comment below. ???????? ?????????????? ??????????:

Imagine going to the doctor, explaining your health concerns, and finally feeling heard, only to start from scratch with a different provider next time. For many in underserved communities, this is the norm. The lack of continuity of care leads to misdiagnoses, poor health outcomes, and a cycle of crisis-driven treatment instead of long-term wellness. Continuity of care isn’t just about having the same doctor—it’s about building trust, understanding, and a proactive approach to health. When patients see the same provider over time, their medical history is understood, early interventions become possible, and health management improves. If you’ve worked in community healthcare, what are your experiences with continuity of care? Let’s talk. ??

It was so cool to catch up with Rama today. Saying we’re inspired is an understatement. In her 80s, she had one goal: to visit her family in London and explore Europe. But first, she needed to make sure her health wouldn’t hold her back. Through the Mobile GP program and Mark & Sylvie's Home Care , she got exactly what she needed, a telehealth GP, an onsite nurse for her B12 injections, a face-to-face geriatrician, and a plan tailored to her needs. The result? Life-changing. She didn’t just visit her family, she spent two months traveling across 12 European countries. And here’s the incredible part: She started by walking upto 5km a day. By the end of her journey it was 12-13km daily. Amazing! ?? Rama now understands how to manage her health, giving her the freedom to live on her terms. Lesson: Yes, healthcare is about treating illness, but it’s also about unlocking possibility. ?

When it comes to healthcare, access and quality matter, but so does listening. That’s why we’re actively evaluating and evolving based on patient feedback. Right now, we’re gathering insights from the people who matter most, our patients. Through surveys, direct conversations, and feedback from frontline teams, we’re learning what’s working and where we can improve. ???? ???????? ????????????????????? ?????? ???? ?????????????? ?????????? ??????????? ?????? ?????? ???? ???? ????????????? Because healthcare isn’t just about providing a service, it’s about ensuring it makes a difference. If you’ve been part of this program, we’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment below.

?? ???????? ???? ?????? ???????????????????? ???????????? ????????’?? ?????????? ?????? ??????? For Melbourne’s homeless community, that’s not a hypothetical, it’s the reality. Chronic diseases go unmanaged, preventative care feels like a luxury, and access to a GP? Practically impossible. Melbourne deserves a system that works for everyone. We’re making it happen and it’s made possible by partnerships with incredible organisations like VincentCare Victoria. Read the full story below:

The Guardian article highlights the tragic and preventable deaths of nearly 1,500 homeless Australians annually, with individuals experiencing homelessness dying, on average, 30 years prematurely at the age of 44. This underscores the critical importance of our work in providing accessible healthcare services to the homeless population in Melbourne. It highlights the necessity for comprehensive support services that address not only immediate medical needs but also the long-term psychological effects of homelessness. The article also reveals a 63% increase in annual deaths among the homeless population over a decade, with suicide and accidental poisoning being leading causes. This data emphasises the urgent need for integrated healthcare services that include mental health support, areas where our Mobile GP team can make a significant impact. In light of these findings, it is imperative that we advocate for increased resources and collaboration with housing services to ensure that individuals like Jamaine receive timely and holistic support. By doing so, we can help prevent such tragic outcomes and improve the overall health and well-being of Melbourne’s homeless population.