CALL TO ACTION FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS WILLING TO GIVE THEIR TIME, SKILLS AND RESOURCES FOR THE HOMELESS
People In Health Care
Dr Daniel Nour, Founder of Street Side Medics and
Cardiology Advanced Trainee, Royal North Shore Hospital
Filmed in Sydney, New South Wales | November 2024
Identifying a gap in the healthcare of vulnerable people in New South Wales, Dr Daniel Nour founded Street Side Medics in August 2020, a not-for-profit, GP-led mobile medical service for people experiencing homelessness.
Dr. Daniel Nour is a cardiology advanced trainee at Royal North Shore Hospital and the founder of Street Side Medics, a mobile medical service dedicated to providing GP-led care to individuals experiencing homelessness. The initiative started from a customised van, which serves as a medical clinic, visiting food services and shelters across New South Wales and recently Victoria. Street Side Medics offers free medical care without requiring documentation, ID, or a Medicare card.
Understanding the barriers to healthcare faced by homeless individuals—such as lack of documentation, transportation issues, stigma, and prioritisation of basic needs like shelter and food—Dr. Nour aimed to create a supportive environment for care. His motivation stemmed from a personal experience in London when he encountered a man having a seizure, which opened his eyes to the healthcare challenges faced by the homeless community.
In October, Australian Health Journal spoke with Dr Nour at the MedTech24 conference organised by the Medical Technology Association of Australia, where he was the keynote speaker. He talks about the origins of Street Side Medics, the organisation’s growth across New South Wales as well as Victoria, the impact of point of care pathology related technology and the dedication of the health care professionals giving up their time on a voluntary basis for the homeless requiring medical attention.
Since launching in August 2020, Street Side Medics has expanded to ten clinics in New South Wales and one in Victoria, supported by approximately 600 volunteers. The average attendance at clinics ranges from 10 to 20 people per night, influenced by weather conditions. The service leverages medical technology, such as point-of-care testing machines, to deliver quick and effective diagnoses, empowering patients with immediate care solutions. Dr. Nour’s commitment stems from both a personal belief in giving back to the community and a desire to enhance the lives of those he serves.
Dr. Daniel Nour is deeply moved by the generosity of Street Side Medics volunteers who dedicate their time each week, despite their busy lives. He highlights two main reasons for their involvement: the rewarding opportunity to use professional skills for community benefit and the profound fulfilment gained from helping those who lack access to care. Dr. Nour emphasises that volunteers provide essential services that many would otherwise miss. He calls on healthcare professionals—specialists, General Practitioners, junior doctors, and nurses—to join Street Side Medics, as the organisation continues to grow and needs dedicated individuals to support their mission.
With his leadership and social consciousness, Dr Nour is committed to making a real difference to the lives of many Australians. He’s also making significant improvements to society. In 2022 he was awarded the 2022 Young Australian of the Year.
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Thyroid health into pregnancy
‘Without an adequate amount of thyroid hormone mothers can be exposed to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia or eclampsia, which affect around 10% of pregnant women and are the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide. Mothers who suffer from hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are at increased risk of long-term cardiovascular consequences and hypertensive disorders in subsequent pregnancies. Evidence also indicates a risk of reduced cognitive ability to their offspring.
‘Knowing if you are genetically predisposed to Hashimoto’s or Graves’ Diseases, which are both thyroid autoimmune disorders is important to be aware of, to ensure all appropriate tests are ordered. Autoimmune disorders may predispose mothers to a thyroid problem during pregnancy’, says Professor Creswell Eastman, who also serves as the ATF’s Principal Medical Advisor.
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Adjunct Professor Alanna Geary talks Nursing Leadership
Adjunct Professor Alanna Geary FACN,
Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officer,
Metro North Hospital Hospital & Health Service, Queensland
talks Nursing Leadership -
Peak body in child and family services urges prioritising healthcare for kids in care
The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (the Centre) is calling on the Australian Government to prioritise healthcare access for children in out-of-home care.
“We have many amazing young people in care with huge potential, but they’re not set up for success,” said Deb Tsorbaris, CEO “Young people and workers tell us that access to health and education assessments is a huge disadvantage.”
