Clinicians in Perth, Australia, have organised a mobile clinic that treats acute wounds and infections.

There are approximately 6,500 people without a bed to sleep every night in Perth. StreetDoctor is a mobile, non-discriminatory service that helps the disadvantaged by treating their acute wounds and infections and giving them medical and safety advice. They have a clinic six days a week and in a different area every day.

The clinicians perform suturing, give vaccinations, dress minor wounds, treat infections, test for blood-borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections, and advise on minimising risk-taking behaviour. If an injury is too severe, the clinicians at StreetDoctor will refer their patients to an out-of-hours clinic that has the facilities to treat them.  They see over 2,000 patients a year. About 40% are under the age of 25 and 90% have mental health issues.

To read more and download a fact sheet, click here.

To donate, contact:

StreetDoctor
PO Box 354
GUILDFORD  WA 6935

Or call (08) 9376 9200

Image: Homeless. Credit: Y on Flickr.