The Peel Mobile Health Service may finish in the Peel region after next month due to funding cuts.
Camera IconThe Peel Mobile Health Service may finish in the Peel region after next month due to funding cuts. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Peel Mobile Health Service may finish next month because of funding cuts

Vanessa SchmittMandurah Coastal Times

Business Development manager Eleanor Britton said the South Metropolitan Health Service advised that they will no longer provide operational funding past June 30.

“This has been an incredibly successful service providing health services to disadvantaged and marginalised communities in Peel,” Ms Britton said.

“We are extremely disappointed with this decision and have advised our service providers and organisations we work with.”

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The PMHS started in 2012 with an aim to improve access to health services and information to people who are less able to access health providers and services.

The service currently provides outreach health services to socially disadvantaged and isolated communities such as nursing clinics for homeless youth, counsellors, drug and alcohol services, mental health and wellbeing services, diabetic services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Outreach.

It will cost about $130,000 per year to keep the PMHS operational.

A South Metropolitan Health Service spokesperson said the service was committed to providing quality health services and value for money to the south metropolitan community.

“South Metropolitan Health Service recently completed a review of the service, which showed limited service provision with little increase in services over the years,” she said.

“There is also duplication of other services available in the Peel region.

“For example 360 health + community have introduced healthy lifestyle programs (for people with or at risk of diabetes).

“Peel Youth Medical Service provides access to primary care in Mandurah and there are alternative venues in communities such as the Waroona Community Resource Centre.

“The WA Primary Health Alliance is currently commissioning a range of suicide prevention and mental health services in the Peel region.

“As such, the grant agreement will cease in line with its scheduled expiry date.”

The spokeswoman thanked GP down south team for their dedication in providing this service to the Peel region over the past five years.

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