From Homelessness to Health: How a Patient-Centered Mobile GP Program is Transforming Tracy's Life

Healthcare, at its core, is about more than just treating illnesses—it’s about addressing the needs of the whole person. In today’s world, where access to healthcare remains a challenge for vulnerable populations, particularly those experiencing homelessness, innovative models of care are critical. Tracy’s story is a testament to the power of personalised, multidisciplinary care delivered through a Mobile GP Program that is making a profound impact on those at the margins of society.

Tracy, a 52-year-old woman, joined the Mobile GP Program in November 2024. At the time, she was living at Ozanam House, a crisis accommodation facility, struggling with both physical and mental health challenges, compounded by homelessness and substance dependency. Her experience with healthcare systems in the past had been one of disconnection and dismissal—she felt like a number, not a person. But this time, things were different.

Breaking Down Barriers to Care
Tracy's journey with the Mobile GP Program began with more than just a medical appointment. The program, designed to serve individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of it, is built around the idea of meeting people where they are, literally and figuratively. For Tracy, this meant accessing care in a familiar and supportive environment at Ozanam House.

Although the program relies heavily on telehealth, which allows patients to connect with a GP without leaving their residence, Tracy still had to attend Ozanam House for her appointments. While this posed occasional challenges—her mental and physical condition sometimes made it difficult to leave her room—it also ensured she had consistent, reliable access to healthcare.
Under the care of her telehealth GP, Dr Hardik, Tracy was finally able to receive the mental health support she needed. She was connected with counselling services, helping her to address long-standing issues related to anxiety, depression, and alcohol dependency. Tracy completed an Alcohol Program and, for the first time in years, has remained sober for over 100 days.

More than the medical treatment, though, Tracy valued the respect and dignity with which she was treated. "Dr Hardik is the first doctor who’s ever treated me like a human," she shared. That simple, yet profound, recognition made all the difference in her willingness to stay engaged with her care.

The Power of Connection
One of the key differentiators of the Mobile GP Program is its multidisciplinary approach. Beyond the telehealth GP, Tracy formed meaningful relationships with Brett, the Project Manager, and Jack, a nurse who became a consistent source of support. Their genuine care, humour, and connection built a sense of trust that Tracy had never experienced in a healthcare setting before.

Healthcare is more than just prescriptions and diagnoses—it’s about people. Brett and Jack understood this and took the time to build rapport with Tracy, making sure that each appointment was not just a clinical check-up, but also an opportunity to connect on a human level. This rapport became a vital thread in Tracy’s journey towards stability.
With the program’s support, Tracy was able to transition from homelessness into public housing arranged by Ozanam House. Stable housing, combined with her newfound sobriety and mental health improvements, set Tracy on a path to reclaiming her life. But this journey is not over; it is transforming, and each day brings new opportunities for growth and healing.

The Impact of Tailored, Multidisciplinary Care
The Mobile GP Program's effectiveness lies in its holistic approach to healthcare. Tracy’s progress highlights the importance of treating not just symptoms but the root causes of health issues—whether they be mental, physical, or social. By coordinating care across disciplines, the program was able to address Tracy’s health comprehensively.

However, there were gaps. While telehealth and GP care were cornerstones of the program, Tracy could have benefited from a broader range of allied health services. Regular access to a physiotherapist or nutritionist, for example, could have bolstered her physical health even further. Expanding the program to incorporate allied health services could significantly enhance the outcomes for patients like Tracy, offering a more rounded approach to recovery and wellbeing.
There’s also the challenge of access. Currently, patients like Tracy must travel to Ozanam House for their appointments. While the program has been successful within this framework, expanding telehealth capabilities to allow patients to receive care from their own homes—once they have moved into public housing—could increase patient engagement and reduce barriers to accessing consistent care.

A Path Forward: Lessons for Healthcare Providers
Tracy’s case underscores the critical need for healthcare programs that focus on both the physical and social determinants of health. Programs like the Mobile GP are not just about treating illness—they’re about restoring dignity, stability, and hope.

For healthcare providers and policymakers, the lesson is clear: effective healthcare for vulnerable populations requires a comprehensive, patient-centred approach. By prioritising the human connection, offering consistent and coordinated care, and addressing the root causes of poor health, programs like the Mobile GP can make a meaningful difference.

The next step is to scale these programs—both geographically and in scope. Expanding telehealth capabilities, incorporating allied health services, and addressing housing instability will be critical to ensuring that more patients like Tracy can access the care they need to regain control of their lives. Healthcare is evolving, and the time has come for more models like the Mobile GP Program to lead the way in transforming lives—one patient at a time.

Final Thoughts
Tracy’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and hope. It’s also a story of what healthcare can and should be—a system that treats people, not just patients, and sees beyond symptoms to address the whole person. As we continue to push for better healthcare models, let’s remember Tracy, and the countless others like her, who are depending on us to build a healthcare system that works for everyone.

Author Bio:
Brett is the Mobile GP Project Manager at Atticus Health, where he leads innovative healthcare initiatives aimed at providing comprehensive support to vulnerable populations. With a passion for patient-centred care and community engagement, Brett works tirelessly to improve health outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness and to advocate for the integration of holistic health services. Through his leadership, the Mobile GP Program is transforming lives and creating pathways for stability and recovery.