Mobile health service for isolated Peel areas

• State Government to provide $140,000 per year for 5 years to fund mobile health service for Peel region

• Community consultation identified specific communities' needs and helped determine services to be delivered

Health Minister Kim Hames today launched an innovative mobile health service that will prevent people from the more isolated areas of the Peel region from having to travel for health advice and treatment.

The Peel Mobile Health Service, a modified vehicle capable of operating at a range of locations - including sites without water - will provide health and health promotion services to the communities of Pinjarra, Waroona, Boddington, Serpentine and Jarrahdale.

It is a joint initiative between WA Health, the Peel Health Foundation and GP down south - a general practice network in the Peel and South-West regions of Western Australia.

Dr Hames said the Peel Mobile Health Service was an excellent example of Government and non-government sectors working together to increase health outcomes in a particular region.

"Through its fundraising efforts, the Peel Health Foundation raised more than $220,000 to purchase and modify the vehicle, which will be funded by WA Health - at $140,000 a year - to deliver services to the Peel region for the next five years," he said.

"Furthermore, GP down south has been chosen to be the provider of these services, which makes it a three-way collaborative effort, with everyone working together to fill gaps in health care in the Peel region."

The Peel Mobile Health Service is fitted out with state-of the-art medical and clinical equipment for the delivery of services in areas such as mental health and youth suicide; chronic disease management and education; women's health and children's health; Aboriginal health; dental health and medical services.

      Fact File

• The Peel Mobile Health Service will begin operation in August, with services expanding over the following 6 months

• For more information about the service, visit http://www.peelhealth.com

Minister's office - 6552 5300