Medical bus brings healthcare to the community

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Medical care has just gotten better for some of the most vulnerable children in the Bay Area. St. Joseph's Children's Hospital and Metropolitan Ministries are joining forces to improve access to care by bringing care to the community.

"It was super convenient," said one mom of a 2-year-old. "I feed them lunch. Within two minutes of us eating lunch, I was able to walk right over to the bus."

The St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Mobile Medical Clinic bus comes to Metropolitan Ministries once a week to deliver free healthcare to children. 

Kate Kennedy of St. Joseph's explains, "Our mission is to ensure that there as little barriers to care as possible."

The clinic on wheels just added some new services to help out residents at Metropolitan Ministries. The medical bus will be treating minor illnesses, give well child exams, hearing and vision screenings, immunizations, and health education. 

"We can provide medication for kids who need it and just treat minor sicknesses that come up in everyday life for parents and kids," Kate said.

The four-member medical team consists of a board-certified nurse practitioner, a registered nurse, a licensed practical nurse, and a health educator to provide total care.

"We basically bring Baycare outside of the hospital walls into the community," Kate added.

All services are provided at no cost to families, and children must have Medicaid or no insurance to qualify.