An innovative primary healthcare clinic will be added to the range of low or no-cost services patients and families will be able to access when Wishlist Centre opens mid-next year.
The announcement completes Wishlist Centre’s vision to become Australia’s first facility to offer affordable patient accommodation, primary healthcare and complementary therapies under one roof.
Today, Wishlist CEO Lisa Rowe announced Sunshine Coast-based doctor and nurse-led service Sunny Street has committed to opening a GP clinic named Molly Lynne Medical on the Ground Level of Wishlist Centre in Birtinya.
Founded on the Sunshine Coast in July 2018, Sunny Street started as a mobile healthcare service for those sleeping rough or doing it tough. The organisation is a labour of love for co-founders Dr Nova Evans (pictured) and Director of Nursing Sonia Martin - a project they were driven to create after they both resigned from their public health jobs three years ago.
“Sunny Street is not a typical General Practice service,” Dr Evans said.
“The model-of-care for both Sunny Street and Molly Lynne Medical provides a complete focus on the patient.
“Our clinicians are adept at meeting people where they are at in their healthcare journey, leaving autonomy in the individual’s hands, while supported by skilled clinicians fuelled by kindness. For vulnerable community members, Molly Lynne Medical will be healthcare provided at low or no cost.
“Our flexible model-of-care allows us to also tailor our Centre hours to accommodate those needing medical care in the community and take pressure off the peak times associated with the Sunshine Coast University Hospital’s Emergency Department.”
The GP clinic adds to Wishlist’s collaborative efforts which has already seen partnerships inked with local cancer support service Bloomhill Cancer Care and the state’s largest training provider TAFE Queensland to provide a circle-of-care within Wishlist Centre.
“We are excited to announce such a progressive and innovative service within Wishlist Centre to provide primary healthcare options for our guests, their carers and families,” Ms Rowe said.
“It’s crunch time for us now as we endeavour to raise an additional $2 million by 2022 to make Wishlist Centre all it must be for patients and families, which is why we have launched our Donate a Virtual Brick appeal.”
The community is rallying behind the Virtual Brick appeal to help Wishlist reach its goal, already amassing more than $755,000 thanks to some very generous local businesses.
“This appeal allows you, your family, work mate, business or neighbour to get behind your local hospital foundation and leave a legacy because we really need your help,” Ms Rowe added.
“Please consider donating a virtual brick to deliver accommodation, cancer support services and youth mental health programs opposite our major hospital, because it could be you or your family who one day benefit from Wishlist Centre.
“Let’s get to it Sunshine Coast.”
To Donate a Virtual Brick visit https://wishlist.org.au.