Mobile healthcare services now available with significantly reduced treatment thresholds
In the heart of Mönchengladbach, a unique initiative is making a significant difference. The Pflastermobil project, an older ambulance equipped with essential medical supplies, is providing much-needed healthcare to homeless individuals and those suffering from chronic wounds, respiratory, and skin diseases.
The project, primarily funded by generous donations from the community, is staffed by a dedicated team of volunteers. There are currently 25 doctors, 36 nurses, and 15 drivers who selflessly give their time to this cause, totaling 76 individuals.
The Pflastermobil team is not just a medical service; it's a beacon of trust and accessibility. The team strives to lower barriers and offer services that are regularly available every two weeks on Saturday. This approach has proven effective in building trust with the community they serve.
The used ambulance was acquired through a generous donation, and the team's resources include enough medical professionals for their missions. Importantly, they do not recommend appointments or hospital visits as these are not accessible for the individuals they serve. Instead, they provide on-the-spot care, making healthcare more accessible.
The Pflastermobil team's recent deployment at a women's shelter is a testament to their commitment to inclusivity. This deployment, scheduled every three months, features a female doctor, a pediatrician, and a driver. The Inner Wheel Club Mönchengladbach has been a crucial supporter of this deployment.
Dr. Ulrike van Bömmel, one of the team's lead doctors, expresses satisfaction with the Pflastermobil team's network and resources. She clarifies that the conditions they encounter are typical "street diseases," and the new deployment at the women's shelter is a response to the predominance of male patients they've served so far.
As the day begins, the team is already busy. A man with a toothache and another seeking wound care are the first patients this morning. Each team is out for four to five hours, with each individual averaging two deployments per year.
The Pflastermobil project, with its humanitarian and social goals, reflects the values of the Rotary and Inner Wheel clubs involved. While details about the amount or nature of funding, operational success metrics, and focus areas for deployment remain unspecified, the community's support and the project's impact are undeniable. The Pflastermobil team continues to make a difference, one deployment at a time.
- The Pflastermobil project, beyond its medical services, is a hub for workplace-wellness initiatives, promoting mental-health awareness and fitness-and-exercise programs for the individuals they serve.
- The volunteers at Pflastermobil are not just healthcare providers, but also advocates for health-and-wellness, educating the community about nutrition and its role in managing chronic-diseases and skin-conditions.
- Recognizing the importance of holistic health, the Pflastermobil team has incorporated therapies-and-treatments for mental-health issues, offering sessions to ease the emotional burden of those they serve.
- Acknowledging the power of social-media in today's world, the team uses various platforms to share success stories and spread awareness about their work, hoping to inspire others to join the cause.
- To further their reach, the Pflastermobil team collaborates with entertainment industry influencers, organizing events and fundraisers to garner more support and resources for their initiatives.
- As part of their outreach, the team offers skin-care advice and products, providing essential items to help manage various skin-conditions faced by the individuals they serve.
- In the pursuit of continuous learning and improvement, the team regularly attends medical conferences and workshops, ensuring they are updated on the latest advancements in medicine and science, and can provide the best care possible to those in need.
