A message from our CEO
2024 is now well underway as we come toward the end of March and the whole Street Side Medics team have been working hard to ensure we are able to provide the incredibly important services across all clinics week in, week out.
We have been making great progress on refining the way we do things to continue to offer the best quality care possible whilst preparing for growth as we look to support even more people across NSW and beyond. Thanks to LSH Auto Sydney and some generous partners we will have more vans hitting the road later this year enabling us to look at new clinic locations.
To ensure we can prepare in the right way for any new clinics to emerge we need to continue to expand the team and so we are currently hiring an Administration and Office Manager so if you are interested or know of anyone interested in joining the team please reach out! It is an exciting time at SSM as we work through developing our plans FY 2024/25 over the next couple of months and I look forward to continuing conversations with you all to help inform that important work.
Thanks to the team in the SSM office, the volunteers, Board, funders and the broader SSM community who have all made me feel very welcome over the past couple of months as I settle in. It has been great to get involved and see the amazing work happening each night across all the Clinics and I look forward to continuing our work together to provide quality primary health care to those that need it.
Cheers, Nic
Our quarterly impact
It has been a busy quarter here at Street Side Medics and we are very proud of the positive impact our volunteers have had on the community so far in 2024.
Patient story
At Street Side Medics, many of our patients are open to sharing their stories to inspire and support others facing similar health challenges. We respect our patients' wishes, with some opting to remain anonymous while still providing valuable insights and experiences. This sharing of stories fosters a sense of community and understanding among individuals navigating their healthcare journeys.
In this edition we would like to draw your attention to a story of teamwork, collaboration, patience and success. We are very proud of what we have achieved so far with this particular patient who had lost hope in our health system.
At our Woolloomooloo clinic, our dedicated volunteers have been observant of an individual who frequently engages in conversations with them but hesitates to seek medical attention from our general practitioners within the clinic van. Recently, our volunteers identified a concerning issue - an advanced venous ulcer on this individual's leg that requires immediate medical intervention.
Recognising the importance of addressing this patient's condition promptly, it is evident that alternative approaches need to be considered to ensure the individual receives the necessary care. Our team is committed to finding a solution that respects the patient's comfort while prioritizing their health and well-being.
After developing a rapport with the patient, Street Side Medics initiated a weekly wound dressing session just outside the van. However, the progress was not as rapid as anticipated. Recognizing the need for specialized care, one of our dedicated volunteer General Practitioners proposed transferring the patient to his practice once a week. This way, the GP's nurse could provide tailored wound care. The patient agreed to this arrangement, and we arranged transportation to ensure she could attend her appointments conveniently. This collaborative effort aimed to enhance the patient's healing journey effectively.
After discussions with the wider Street Side Medics volunteer team, one of our volunteers from our Manly clinic, an expert in wound management agreed to visit our Woolloomooloo clinic with specific and targeted dressings. This collaborative effort has led to the formation of a new, extensive, and comprehensive multidisciplinary team that will support her in delivering specialised care to our patients in Woolloomooloo.
Stories like this one shine a light on the vision of Street Side Medics, showcasing not just a successful outcome but the essence of teamwork and dedication. Beyond the confines of our van, our team strives to build trust and create meaningful connections with each patient. We don't just address healthcare needs; we offer a supportive social environment through weekly interactions, providing a comforting space for a coffee and a chat. At Street Side Medics, our commitment extends beyond medical care to encompass holistic support and genuine human connection.
a Front row seat with dani
Street Side Medics - From a driver’s perspective
This month, we spoke with Dani, who has been volunteering fortnightly with Street Side Medics since November 2022. Dani was inspired to volunteer after reading an article in The Sydney Morning Herald about the organization and Doctor Daniel Nour's incredible work. Here's what she shared about her experience at Street Side Medics.
Why did you get involved with Street Side Medics?
I think civic engagement is important and so good for the soul. I wanted to do something to give back to the community, particularly to our most vulnerable members of society and wanted to connect with good people - writing tends to be a very solitary activity. I've always loved driving and "in car karaoke" is one of life's great pleasures (though perhaps not for anyone within earshot).
Tell us more about your role as a driver with SSM.
I like to arrive at Ultimo headquarters at 3.45pm; I check the van's medical supplies and restock when necessary. I'll check the petrol gauge and odometer (and log the details on Volaby), do a general clean of surfaces plus make sure the medical equipment is fully charged before texting the group to let them know my ETA. I then drive from Ultimo to Manly; Sydney drivers are actually really lovely when you are in the van. Everyone lets me in. Occasionally people wave or smile at you from the side of the road. I've even had one lady run up to the window and hand me a $20 donation when paused at traffic lights.
I always aim to arrive at 4.45pm at Manly for the 5pm clinic. I set up the computers and chairs, attach the medical monitoring equipment to the outside of the van then my favourite part of the clinic begins - liaising with patients. Making people feel seen and heard. We hand out bottles of water (which always go in a flash) and in between making people feel welcome and seen to, I'll get prescriptions filled out as they're approved or grab a patient on the list, from the dining room at St Matthews church. The Manly clinic has a good synergy with St Matthews - they offer a hot meal and we often tell patients to go enjoy a hot tea and dinner and one of our volunteers will fetch them when the doctors are ready. The patients are incredibly grateful for the help - one lady collects shells from the beach and presents them to us in a foil-topped glass she buys from Vinnies, each week.
What is your professional background?
I'm a writer, I spent years in print media as a journalist until the internet ate print. I started at The Sydney Morning Herald; listening to the police scanners and directing a team of police journalists and photographers to the scene of the action. I also worked at Good Weekend magazine where my first pieces were published before entering the surreal world of Harper's BAZAAR. I was interviewing celebrities and art-directing beauty shoots and was once flown to Paris to interview Jane Fonda and Freida Pinto on a couch at The Ritz. At present, I'm freelance writing and working on a film script.
Tell us about some of the wins you have experienced during a clinic.
Sarah, our amazing team leader once told me she looks forward to every clinic, that it's the highlight of her week and I completely agree - we have the loveliest group of volunteers and I always go home on a high. We have an absolute ball together. I've met people with the biggest hearts, who just want to help make life that little bit easier for people who have not had it easy.
What are your most memorable clinic moments?
It's a real privilege to be able to get to know our patients and build trust - I love seeing how kindness can disarm and defuse tense situations. I've noticed the angriest patients tend to melt into tears when shown kindness and a sympathetic ear; the anger seems to stem from being consistently disempowered and ignored.
Rugby Legend Brad Fittler also shocked and thrilled the patients when he turned up, week after week, to say hello and have a chat. The look of awe on the (mainly male) patient's faces was priceless. One particularly inebriated patient couldn't believe his eyes and kept asking me "is that Brad Fizzzzzzzler?" closely followed by "Are you on TV?"
Anything else you would like to add? Volunteering is the best tonic for the soul; it reaffirms your faith in humanity. If you are feeling a bit flat or lost, sign up. As I told my Dad recently, joining Streetside Medics is one of the best things I've ever done.
The concerning rise of women over 55 experiencing homelessness.
In Australia, a concerning trend has emerged, shedding light on the growing number of older women facing homelessness. With factors ranging from employment opportunity, relationship breakdown, domestic violence, and mental health, many find themselves without a safe place to call home. The 2021-2022 ABS Census has revealed on any given night in Australia, more than 122,000 people experience homelessness, with women—those aged 55 and over accounting for 44.1%- the fastest growing cohort of homeless Australians.
At Street Side Medics, we have noticed a significant rise in women over 50 experiencing homelessness and presenting to the clinics. We have also observed many women over 50 who do have employment but are unable to bear the cost of rent and living and so, find themselves couch surfing, sleeping in cars or in shelters. We're seeing this more and more in our service on the streets.
Recently, Mamamia, wrote an article on the rise of women over 45 experiencing homelessness, in hope to shed light and raise awareness on what is an alarming issue. In the article Dr Daniel Nour notes “When it comes to health concerns for this demographic, there's certainly a pattern.” “It's for reasons like these why Street Side Medics continues to collaborate and partner with services providing care to these women, like shelters,” he says.
Our ageing population faces housing cost challenges and gender wealth disparity. Urgent solutions are needed to prevent escalation.
Foot issues - widespread concern.
The effects on foot health for people experiencing homelessness are a frequent issue at our clinics. We're happy to share the news, that Andrew Fryc, a Podiatrist at Westmead Foot Clinic, generously volunteers his time to treat some of our patients at our Parramatta Clinic regularly.
Since 2018, Andrew has been working alongside his daughter, Amelia, at her well-established clinic in Westmead. Prior to this, he dedicated his time to volunteering in podiatry at the Matthew Talbot Hostel in Woolloomooloo. Due to his close proximity to our clinic in Parramatta, Andrew decided to extend his compassionate care to benefit our valued patients in need.
At a recent visit, Andrew treated a patient who was suffering with painful elongated toenails (onychogryphosis) making walking difficult and the potential of falling more likely. A general podiatry treatment of cutting and filing the patient’s nails was all that was required to have the patient walking comfortably and safely again. Footwear advice was also issued.
Andrew has generously extended the offer to conduct procedures pro bono at his Westmead Foot clinic. In a recent case, a patient approached him with a complaint about a chronic ingrown toenail. During the consultation, Andrew explained the recommended approach of a partial nail removal procedure to be done under local anaesthetic.
We are immensely grateful to have a skilled professional like Andrew on our team, providing expert care to numerous patients who frequently face these issues.
can you help us?
You may have seen on our social media that we are looking for a space to store one of our vans. If you think you may be able to help, please email leanne.akiki@streetsidemedics.com.au.
Are you the next Street Side Medics employee?
We are currently on the hunt for a Superstar Administration and Office Manager. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please email admin@streetsidemedics.com.au for more information.
Happy easter
The team at Street Side Medics extends warm wishes to all our incredible patients, dedicated volunteers, and generous supporters for a joyful, safe, and memorable Easter weekend ahead.
How to get involved
To find out more about our services, or to donate to help us continue to grow and serve the communities of NSW and beyond, please click on the Donate button below.
We are currently on the lookout for GPs to volunteer across all of our clinics. If this is something you would be interested in, please click on the Volunteer button below. If you are wanting to offer your support by volunteering and you are not a GP, you can still add your details to our waitlist by clicking the button below.