At Atticus Health, we’re not just delivering healthcare; we’re redefining what it means to care for our community. Our Mobile GP project is accessible, and reaches patients where they are, and addresses' their unique needs. One of our most compelling success stories is that of Rama—a patient whose life has been transformed by the integrated care provided by Atticus Health and Mark & Sylvie’s Home Care.

Rama’s Story: Navigating Complex Healthcare Needs
Rama’s journey is a testament to the power of personalised, patient-centred care. Living with chronic conditions and limited mobility, accessing traditional healthcare had become an overwhelming challenge. For Rama, every trip to the doctor’s office meant navigating obstacles that often felt insurmountable. But through the Mobile GP program, Rama found a lifeline.
The journey began with a simple yet profound shift: bringing healthcare to Rama instead of the other way around. Through regular Telehealth GP consultations, Rama could connect with a doctor from the comfort of home. These virtual visits allowed for ongoing health assessments, medication adjustments, and immediate access to medical advice, making healthcare both accessible and convenient.

Specialist Support Tailored to Rama’s Needs
The Mobile GP program’s value lies not just in the convenience of Telehealth but in its comprehensive, integrated approach. Recognising the complexity of Rama’s needs, we introduced specialist care from a Geriatrician. This expert brought a nuanced understanding of the challenges associated with ageing, providing personalised care that addressed Rama’s long-term health goals.
The Geriatricians' involvement was pivotal, focusing on medication optimisation and proactive management of Rama’s conditions. But Rama’s journey didn’t stop at specialist care. To further enhance mobility and overall wellbeing, Rama began receiving physiotherapy sessions tailored to her specific needs. These weekly sessions helped Rama regain strength, improve balance, and restore a sense of independence—outcomes that have dramatically improved Rama’s quality of life.

Integrating Home Care for a Seamless Experience
One of the most significant elements of Rama’s care journey has been the integration of home care services through Mark & Sylvie’s. By combining medical support with home care, we created a seamless experience that addresses both health and daily living needs. For Rama, this meant receiving not just medical care but the everyday support needed to live safely and comfortably at home.
Mark & Sylvie’s team provided assistance with daily tasks, offering Rama the freedom to focus on what truly matters—living a fulfilling life. This integration ensures that our patients don’t just receive care; they receive the right care at the right time, delivered in a way that supports their independence and dignity.

The Impact: A New Lease on Life
Rama’s story is more than a success; it’s a powerful example of how holistic, patient-centred care can transform lives. Through the collaboration between Atticus Health and Mark & Sylvie’s Home Care, Rama now enjoys a better quality of life, improved health outcomes, and renewed independence.
The Mobile GP program isn’t just about providing healthcare—it’s about creating meaningful change. For patients like Rama, this integrated approach has made all the difference, offering a path to better health that feels accessible, compassionate, and tailored to their needs.

Conclusion: A Model for the Future of Care
Rama’s journey underscores the profound impact of integrated care models that prioritise the patient experience. At Atticus Health, we’re committed to expanding this approach, ensuring that more individuals can benefit from our unique blend of medical and home care services. As we continue to innovate and expand, our goal remains clear: to provide healthcare that truly meets the needs of every patient, enhancing lives and empowering individuals to live their best possible lives.

Author Bio:

Brett, Project Manager at Atticus Health & Mobile GP Project

Brett is Project Manager with experience in healthcare innovation, specialising in integrated care models that bridge the gap between medical and home care. Passionate about creating accessible healthcare solutions, Brett is focused on developing and expanding the Mobile GP program at Atticus Health.

Introduction

Mobile GP has implemented a model of integrated healthcare and home care, combining services from Atticus Health with Mark & Sylvie's Home Care. This approach aims to improve access to comprehensive care and enhance the wellbeing of individuals at risk of homelessness. Supported by the Early Interventions Program for Health Ageing in conjunction with the North West Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN), the program provides a patient-centred solution tailored to individual needs.

1. A Holistic Approach to Healthcare

For those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, consistent and quality healthcare can often be difficult to access. By integrating healthcare and home care, Ozanam House aims to provide a holistic solution, ensuring that individuals not only receive necessary medical attention but also ongoing support for daily living needs.

Atticus Health's Contribution

Atticus Health delivers regular medical and specialist services to Ozanam House residents, including:

• GP Telehealth Services: Providing virtual consultations, making healthcare more accessible.
• Specialist Consultations: Fortnightly visits from a Geriatrician to address the complex needs of older residents.
• Mental Health Support: Weekly appointments with a Mental Health Social Worker to provide psychological and emotional assistance.
• Physiotherapy: Monthly physiotherapy sessions to address mobility and physical health, particularly for those with chronic conditions or ageing-related issues.

These services are designed to meet each resident’s specific needs, focusing on both immediate care and long-term health management.

2. The Role of Mark & Sylvie's Home Care

In addition to medical care, many residents of Ozanam House require support with daily living tasks. Mark & Sylvie's Home Care provides this vital assistance, including:

• Daily Living Support: Helping with essential tasks like meal preparation, personal hygiene, and household chores.
• Personalised Care Plans: For residents aged 65 and over, care plans are tailored to integrate medical and home care services to support independent living.

By addressing both healthcare and home care needs, the model aims to enhance the overall quality of life for residents, supporting them in maintaining their health and independence.

3. Integration for Better Outcomes

This integrated model seeks to improve outcomes by aligning healthcare and home care services. The collaboration with the Early Interventions Program for Health Ageing ensures that the medical and home care teams work together to provide continuous, coordinated care.

A. Coordinated Care
The partnership between Atticus Health, Mark & Sylvie's Home Care, and the Early Interventions for health ageing Program enables a more seamless coordination of services. For example, a resident managing a chronic condition may receive medical treatment from Atticus Health, while the home care team ensures their living environment supports their recovery, assisting with medication management and follow-up care.

B. Continuity of Care
With healthcare and home care integrated, residents experience fewer gaps in their care, reducing the risk of complications. This approach is particularly beneficial for older residents who need both medical monitoring and assistance with daily activities. The combination of services results in fewer hospitalisations and overall improved health outcomes.

C. Patient-Centred Focus
The model revolves around the unique needs of each resident. By engaging key workers and case managers at Ozanam House, care plans are developed with a focus on personalised, comprehensive support, ensuring that individuals receive the right services at the right time.

4. A Real-Life Example

A resident named Reena (name changed for privacy), aged 84, faced multiple health challenges alongside mobility limitations. Through the integrated services provided by Atticus Health and Mark & Sylvie's Home Care:

• Reena receives regular consultations from a GP and Geriatrician to manage her chronic conditions.
• Monthly physiotherapy sessions helped improve her mobility and physical health.
• A personalised home care plan provided assistance with daily activities such as personal care and medication management.

As a result, Reena experiences significant improvements in her health and regained a degree of independence, which allows her to transition towards more stable living arrangements.

Conclusion

The integration of healthcare from Atticus Health, home care from Mark & Sylvie's Home Care, and the Early Interventions Program for Health Ageing at Ozanam House provides a comprehensive model of care for vulnerable populations. By addressing both medical and home care needs, the program strives to offer residents a higher quality of life and a path towards long-term stability.

To learn more about the Mobile GP Project, visit the website here for further information on how this initiative supports community health services.

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About the Author
This article was written by Brett, Project Manager for the Mobile GP program at Ozanam House. With a passion for community health and supporting vulnerable populations, Brett's work focuses on developing integrated healthcare models to improve the quality of life for individuals facing complex challenges. 

Introduction:

When it comes to addressing homelessness and healthcare, community collaboration is key. No single organisation can tackle the issue alone, but together, we can make a real difference. That’s where partnerships with programs like Mobile GP come in.

Why Are Partnerships Important?

Homelessness is a multifaceted issue, and the healthcare needs of this population are complex. By partnering with local community groups, Mobile GP is able to expand its reach and provide services to individuals who may otherwise fall through the cracks.

How Do Community Groups Benefit from Collaborating with Mobile GP?

Local groups working with homeless populations often have direct access to individuals who need healthcare the most. By partnering with Mobile GP, these groups can ensure their clients have access to comprehensive healthcare services, including general medicine, mental health care, and chronic disease management.

What Are the Long-Term Benefits?

​Expanding healthcare access not only improves individual health outcomes but also strengthens the community as a whole. Healthier individuals are better able to participate in society, seek employment, and engage with their communities, reducing the long-term costs associated with untreated health issues.

Conclusion:

Collaboration is key to improving healthcare for Melbourne’s homeless population. By partnering with Mobile GP, community groups can help ensure that everyone has access to the care they need, no matter their circumstances.

Interested in learning more about how your organisation can partner with Mobile GP?

Contact us at 1300 268 431 to explore partnership opportunities.
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Author Bio:
Brett is a Project Manager in the Mobile GP program, focusing on improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations, including the homeless community in Melbourne. Brett leads innovative initiatives like the Mobile GP service at Ozanam House. Brett’s passion lies in creating meaningful partnerships that enhance healthcare delivery and bring vital services to those in need.

​Homelessness is an escalating crisis in Melbourne, with thousands left vulnerable on the streets every night. While immediate needs like food and shelter are often prioritised, there’s another, more insidious issue that often goes unaddressed: mental health.

For Melbourne’s homeless, access to mental health care isn’t just a matter of wellbeing—it’s a crucial factor in breaking the cycle of homelessness itself.

In this article, we delve into why mental health care is indispensable for Melbourne’s homeless population and how targeted interventions can turn lives around.

The Interconnection Between Homelessness and Mental Health

The link between mental health and homelessness is complex and deeply intertwined. Many individuals experiencing homelessness suffer from mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and schizophrenia. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, nearly one in three homeless individuals has a diagnosed mental health condition—a figure that is likely underreported given the transient and often hidden nature of this group.
Mental health conditions make it significantly harder for individuals to find and maintain stable housing, secure employment, or access essential services. Compounded by the trauma and stress of living rough, these challenges often create a vicious cycle that is difficult, if not impossible, to break without proper support.

Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Care

Despite the clear need, Melbourne’s homeless population faces significant hurdles in accessing mental health care:

1. Stigma and Discrimination: Many homeless individuals feel judged and unwelcome when seeking help, making them less likely to access available services.
2. Resource Constraints: Melbourne’s mental health services are often stretched thin, with long wait times, limited availability of care, and a lack of coordinated support particularly challenging for those without stable housing.
3. Complex Health Needs: Comorbidities, including substance abuse and chronic physical health issues, complicate the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders among homeless populations.
4. Financial Barriers: Even when services are available, costs related to treatment, medication, and transport often pose insurmountable obstacles for those without income or Medicare access.

Why Mental Health Care Matters

Addressing mental health is not just about treating symptoms—it’s about paving the way for a more stable and fulfilling life. Here’s why mental health care is essential for Melbourne’s homeless:

1. Enhances Quality of Life: Access to mental health services can drastically improve an individual’s quality of life, helping to alleviate distress, manage symptoms, and restore hope.
2. Reduces Strain on Emergency Services: Untreated mental health issues often lead to crises that result in emergency room visits and hospitalisations. Effective mental health care reduces these incidents, easing pressure on already overburdened public health systems.
3. Facilitates Employment and Housing Stability: With proper support, individuals are better equipped to pursue employment and secure housing, crucial steps in escaping homelessness.
4. Improves Community Safety: Mental health care doesn’t just benefit individuals; it enhances community wellbeing by reducing homelessness-related incidents and antisocial behaviours.

Real-World Impact: Success Stories from Melbourne

Initiatives like the Mobile GP program at Ozanam House demonstrate the transformative power of integrated health services, including mental health care. By providing regular access to mental health professionals, social workers, and GPs, these programs help individuals take control of their health and move closer to permanent housing.

Strategies for Making a Difference

To address the mental health needs of Melbourne’s homeless population effectively, a comprehensive approach is essential:

• Expand Outreach Services: Mobile and community-based mental health services can reach those who are unable or unwilling to access traditional clinics.
• Trauma-Informed Care Training: Equipping healthcare providers with skills in trauma-informed care ensures they can deliver compassionate and effective support tailored to the unique needs of the homeless.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Partnering with local shelters, community organisations, and social services can create a cohesive support network that addresses both immediate and long-term needs.
• Advocacy and Policy Reform: Greater investment in mental health services for the homeless is needed. Advocacy efforts must focus on securing funding, expanding access, and removing bureaucratic barriers.

Mental health care is a lifeline, not a luxury, for Melbourne’s homeless population. It is a critical element in the fight against homelessness, providing not just symptom relief but a pathway to stability and recovery. By expanding access to mental health services and integrating them into broader homelessness support initiatives, we can create a more inclusive Melbourne where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness and needs mental health support, reach out to local organisations like VincentCare - Ozanam House. Your actions can help make a real difference.

The Mobile GP project at VincentCare's Ozanam House—it’s been a rollercoaster of a first year. We’re talking major wins, some tough challenges, and a whole lot of heart. This program isn’t just about healthcare; it’s about making a real difference in the lives of those facing homelessness. Buckle up, because this journey is all about impact.

Overview of the Mobile GP Project

Launched to bridge the healthcare gap for individuals facing homelessness, the Mobile GP project offers a variety of services, including nursing (patient advocate), GP Telehealth, face-to-face specialist consultations, mental health support, and physiotherapy. The program's holistic approach aims to address both immediate and long-term health needs, integrating with Mark & Sylvie's Home Care for older residents.

​Wins and Impact

Patient Enrollment and Engagement:
Over the past year, the program has successfully enrolled 44 patients, all from priority populations including CALD, disability, LGBTIQA+, refugees/asylum seekers, and those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Healthcare Delivery:
The services provided included 60 GP Telehealth consultations, fortnightly sessions with a specialist Geriatrician and General Physician, weekly appointments with a Mental Health Social Worker, and monthly physiotherapy sessions. The program has demonstrated its ability to adapt to patients' unique needs, ensuring comprehensive care. 

Integration with Home Care:
Three older residents have been fully integrated into Mark & Sylvie's Home Care, exemplifying the program's commitment to continuous, integrated care.

Impact Stories and Real Talk:

The impact of the Mobile GP project is best illustrated through individual stories. A number of people have reported significant improvements in their health and well-being, attributing their progress to the consistent and compassionate care provided by the program's team. Testimonials highlight increased access to healthcare, better management of chronic conditions, and an overall sense of support and dignity.

The Road Ahead

Looking ahead, the Mobile GP project is gearing up for some serious moves. Here’s the game plan for the next year:

1. Expanding Partnerships:
We’re doubling down on collaboration, teaming up with more community organisations to bring in more patients and build stronger support networks.

2. Enhancing Services: We’re not just stopping at good—we’re aiming for great. We’re tweaking what’s already working based on real patient feedback and cutting-edge healthcare trends.

3. Continuous Improvement:
We’re all about leveling up. Our focus is on making sure more people get the tailored care they need through the GP Management Health Plans.

Final Thoughts:

Providing access to healthcare isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. At the end of the day, it’s showing up for our community, making sure everyone gets the care they deserve. We’re not stopping here. Year two? It’s all about pushing harder, reaching further, and ensuring that less people are getting left behind. We’re making health and home care more than just a service; we’re making it a lifeline.

Healthcare is a fundamental right, yet for many homeless individuals, access to essential diagnostics like ECGs (electrocardiograms) and echo's (echocardiograms) remains out of reach. The barriers are significant—ranging from cost and location to the complexity of the healthcare system itself. But there's a powerful solution on the rise: mobile health clinics.

Mobile health clinics are bridging the gap by bringing critical services directly to those in need. These clinics are not just a convenience; they're a lifeline, ensuring that homeless individuals can access the cardiovascular care they desperately need.

The Role of Mobile Health Clinics
Mobile health clinics operate on the principle that healthcare should come to the patient, not the other way around. For the homeless, this approach is particularly impactful. Traditional healthcare facilities may be too far away, difficult to access, or intimidating to navigate. Mobile clinics eliminate these hurdles by delivering care where people already are—whether that’s in shelters, community centre's, or on the streets.

Affordable and Accessible Care
One of the most significant challenges homeless individuals face is the cost of healthcare. ECGs and echo's, while essential, can be prohibitively expensive. Mobile health clinics often offer these services for free or at a reduced cost, thanks to partnerships with healthcare providers, grants, and community support. This ensures that financial constraints don’t stand in the way of life-saving diagnostics.

Fast and Effective Communication
Getting the results of an ECG or echo promptly is crucial, particularly when it comes to managing cardiovascular conditions. Mobile clinics have systems in place to ensure that results are communicated quickly and clearly. In many cases, these results come with immediate follow-up plans, so patients understand their health status and know the next steps to take.

A Step Towards Healthcare Equity
Mobile health clinics are doing more than just providing services—they’re setting a new standard for healthcare equity. By addressing the barriers to ECG and echo access for the homeless, these clinics are helping to create a healthcare system that truly serves everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

The rise of mobile health clinics is a testament to what’s possible when we rethink how healthcare is delivered. As these clinics continue to expand, the vision of a world where everyone has access to essential health services, including ECGs and echo's, comes closer to reality.
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Author Bio: Brett is a Project Manager and Health Writer for Atticus Health. With experience working on the frontlines of community care, Brett is dedicated to ensuring that everyone—regardless of their circumstances—has access to the life-saving services they need. When he’s not advocating for healthcare equity, Brett is likely crafting insightful content that inspires action and drives change.