The Rev. Bill Crews Foundation medical van is now providing a free weekly healthcare service in Fairfield, making it easier for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness to access a GP, nurse and social worker.
Funded by South Western Sydney PHN (SWSPHN) through the Australian Government’s Homelessness Access Program, the Bill Crews medical van operates from 12pm to 2pm alongside the foundation’s Wednesday food support program near Fairfield train station.
Bringing healthcare to people who need it most
People experiencing homelessness often face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, including transport difficulties, financial hardship and complex social needs.
Fairfield has the second highest number of people experiencing homelessness in South Western Sydney, making access to free, local healthcare an important community need.
SWSPHN Acting Chief Executive Officer Amy Prince said the mobile service would help remove some of the barriers preventing people from accessing timely healthcare.
“People experiencing homelessness can face a range of challenges accessing GP care, physical, emotional and financial,” Ms Prince said.
“This free, mobile service aims to overcome some of these barriers.
“The Rev. Bill Crews Foundation has the added advantage of having already developed a trusted relationship within this community through its food support program in the Fairfield LGA and, more widely, through its work caring for people in need across NSW.
“SWSPHN is pleased to be expanding its support for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in our region, with the funding of the medical van service alongside other initiatives including the service navigator and the Free Script Pharmacy Project.”
What services are available?
The mobile healthcare team includes a dedicated GP, nurse and social worker who provide free, holistic care, including:
- health checks and screening
- early detection of physical and mental health conditions
- treatment and preventative care
- referrals to health and community support services
- support ongoing healthcare.
By providing care where people already access support, the service aims to improve health outcomes and help people engage with longer-term healthcare.
About the Bill Crews medical van and foundation
The Rev. Bill Crews Foundation has supported people experiencing homelessness, disadvantage and crisis across Sydney for more than 30 years.
The organisation is well known for providing practical frontline support, including meals, crisis assistance and healthcare for people experiencing hardship.
The mobile medical service pilot will operate until 31 July 2027, when it will be evaluated to help inform future service delivery.
Find out more
To learn more about the Rev. Bill Crews Foundation and the services it provides, visit the foundation’s website.
Rev Bill Crews Foundation
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or needs support, the mobile medical service operates weekly near Fairfield train station alongside the Wednesday food support program.
