Canberra Mobile Health Clinic Marks 10 Years of Supporting Vulnerable Communities
24 Jun 2026
Operated by Directions Health Services, the Pathways to Assistance and Treatment (PAT) program, known locally as “Chat to PAT”, delivers healthcare directly to people facing barriers to accessing traditional health services.
Since launching in 2016, the mobile clinic has provided more than 40,000 consultations across Canberra, supporting people experiencing homelessness, housing instability, mental health challenges, substance dependence, and other complex social and health issues.
The service is delivered by a multidisciplinary team that includes GPs, nurses, counsellors, and mental health practitioners, offering primary healthcare, mental health support, alcohol and drug services, and case management.
Ben Harkness said the clinic provides comprehensive general practice care while addressing the unique challenges faced by disadvantaged populations.
Over the years, the service has expanded from a small outreach program operating from a backpack to a fully equipped mobile clinic that now visits 11 locations across the ACT, including public housing areas, parks, and youth-focused sites for people aged 12–25.
The program also works closely with local community organisations and peer support groups to connect people with ongoing healthcare and social support services.
An evaluation conducted by Australian National University in 2022 found that 67% of PAT patients reported reduced need to attend hospital emergency departments after accessing the service, highlighting its impact on improving healthcare access and reducing pressure on hospitals.
Data from Capital Health Network also indicates that many patients using the service face significantly higher health risks than those attending mainstream general practices.
Healthcare providers involved in the program say mobile outreach services play an important role in reaching people who might otherwise remain disconnected from healthcare, helping manage chronic conditions, provide preventive care, and improve overall wellbeing.
As the service reaches its 10-year milestone, the team hopes to continue delivering accessible, non-judgemental healthcare that meets people where they are, both geographically and socially.
Canberra Mobile Health Clinic Marks 10 Years of Supporting Vulnerable Communities
Source: newsGP / Directions Health Services