QIRCH volunteer doctors

On 24 January, the volunteer doctors who staff the Queensland Integrated Refugee Community Health Clinic (QIRCH), a program of Mater Health Services were honoured for their selfless and untiring contribution to the community with a 2008 Griffith Australia Day Award.

Hosted by the Honourable Kevin Rudd MP, the awards were in recognition of significant voluntary contribution to the community in the Federal Electorate of Griffith which incorporates South Brisbane.

“Nominations were considered by an Independent Committee comprised of representatives from a range of community organisations across the Southside,” said the Hon Mr Rudd.

“It is the opinion of the Committee that your nominee’s selfless and untiring contribution has made the Southside an immeasurably better place to live and work.”

The volunteer doctors who staff QIRCH offer their time and services to refugee client groups on a rotating rostered basis.

The doctors donate 50 to 100% of their earnings from Medicare back to the clinic’s operational expenses and where a client has no access to Medicare, treatment is offered on a pro-bono basis.

The patients of the clinic are characterised by histories of torture, trauma, family and cultural dislocation and lack of access to adequate nutrition and health care.

“In their own time, this group of doctors has gained specialised understanding of the needs of refugee clients to ensure they are served appropriately,” The Hon Mr Rudd continued.

“Congratulations and thank you to the volunteer doctors who give their time, compassion and expertise to the Queensland Integrated Refugee Community Health Clinic.”

QIRCH is a program of Mater Health Services and is supported by St Vincent’s, Holy Spirit Health and Queensland Health.