Medibus to roll out specialist diabetes care across Hunter and New England

Access to holistic diabetes care for rural and remote communities across the Hunter and New England regions is set to improve with the launch of a new custom-built Medibus.

The fully equipped mobile health clinic will bring specialist multidisciplinary teams to towns with limited access to healthcare, including endocrinologists, a diabetes educator, Aboriginal health worker, dietitian and podiatrist.

These clinical teams will support patients directly and upskill local GPs, nurses, and allied health providers with evidence-based tools, knowledge, and research to provide gold-standard diabetes care and management within the primary care sector.

The Medibus is an initiative of the Diabetes Alliance Program Plus (DAP+), first established in 2015 by Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) and the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN). The research of Laureate Professor Clare Collins, Professor Ronald Plotnikoff and Professor Julie Byles helped develop the diabetes care program.

In 2023, a five-year, $12.4 million donation from the Colonial Foundation enabled the program to expand. This included welcoming new partners, including the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and the University of Newcastle, to lead innovative research and evaluate the program’s impact on patient outcomes and the broader health system.

^{John Hunter Hospital Clinical Director of Endocrinology and Clinical Lead for Diabetes Alliance Program Plus, Professor Shamasunder Acharya, with members of the DAP+ team.}

Diabetes remains one of the most critical health challenges for the Hunter and New England regions, with an estimated one in eight people living with the condition, and many more undiagnosed. If left unmanaged, diabetes can result in serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, amputations and premature death.

Diabetes disproportionately impacts those living in low socio-economic communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who are three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

This year, DAP+ is celebrating its 10 year anniversary, with achievements including:

• Supporting more than 190 general practices across the district
• Engaging with over 700 GPs and practice nurses through specialist consultations
• Providing care to more than 6,500 patients via face-to-face and virtual clinics

The DAP+ Medibus represents a significant step forward in ensuring all communities have equitable access to expert, evidence-based diabetes care.

The Medibus will travel to Wee Waa and Narrabri in June, followed by Tamworth, Lower Mid North Coast and the Upper Hunter later this year. Clinicians will work alongside local health and community services to provide structured clinics and community yarning events.

Access to the Medibus is via GP or healthcare provider referral.  Further information can be found on the dapplus.org website.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

"The launch of the DAP+ Medibus is a fantastic example of how innovation and multi-agency collaboration can bring lifesaving health care directly to where it’s needed most. This mobile clinic will help close the gap for people living in rural and remote communities by providing access to specialist diabetes care.”

“Diabetes is a growing health challenge in rural and remote areas, and I applaud this initiative which will reduce travel burdens, improve health outcomes, and support both patients and healthcare professionals.”

Hunter New England Local Health District Chief Executive, Tracey McCosker:

“The DAP+ Medibus is a game changer for our rural and regional communities. By bringing specialist diabetes care directly to people’s doorsteps, it ensures that everyone, regardless of where they live, can access the support they need to manage diabetes and improve their quality of life.”

Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network Chief Executive, Richard Nankervis:

“Our region faces a higher burden of diabetes than the state average, and many rural areas struggle with access to care. The DAP+ Medibus will help change that by bringing tailored, best-practice diabetes management directly into vulnerable communities.”

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky, AO:

“The University of Newcastle is proud to be a key partner of this important initiative, which reflects our commitment to supporting better, healthier living. Through research and collaboration, DAP+ is leading the way in diabetes care and improving health outcomes for communities across the Hunter and New England.”

Hunter Medical Research Institute Director & Chief Executive, Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin:

“Research and evaluation are critical components of DAP+. By collecting robust data on patient outcomes and system-wide impacts, we will demonstrate the program’s effectiveness and build a case for expansion beyond the Hunter New England region.”

DAP+ Program Lead, Professor Shamasunder Acharya:

“The DAP+ program has pioneered and excelled in integrated diabetes care, bringing specialist expertise into local communities by building the knowledge and skills of both clinicians and patients. The Medibus initiative will further strengthen our capacity to reach First Nations people, as well as those living in rural and remote communities.”

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