The AMA President visited the Reverend Bill Crews Foundation last week and wrote about his experience.
From the AMA President Professor Steve Robson:
Homelessness is a major and increasing health problem around the country, made worse by the cost-of-living crisis and the tide of mental health conditions in Australian society.
On Friday of last week, I had the privilege of spending the day at the Reverend Bill Crews Foundation in Ashfield, Sydney. The foundation provides for the needs of Sydney's homeless and has been operating since 1986.
The Ashfield hub brings together health, nutrition, and social services for a large group of "guests", as Bill calls his clientele. A dedicated GP clinic, led by the indefatigable Dr Nada Andric FRACGP, provides comprehensive healthcare with over 100 long GP consultations a week.
Everything from mental health visits, wound care, and vaccination are provided with nursing and allied health support, including dentistry and podiatry. A team of dedicated health professionals provide absolutely top line service to the guests.
The hub wraps in alcohol and drug services, along with Centrelink outreach and occupational training. A large effort is put into ensuring the homeless guests are as healthy as possible, connected with social and other services, including financial help, and can receive occupational training.
Nutrition is a large part of the service provided. Combined with food vans, the Foundation provides over half a million meals every year for homeless Sydneysiders.
It was a privilege to meet and see the incredible work. I'm planning to volunteer my services as a women's health specialist. Any other non-GP specialists - especially gastroenterologists, respiratory physicians, and general surgeons - who would be interested in volunteering, please let me know.
Watch Professor Robson's video with Rev Bill Crews
