Volunteering with Street Side Medics.

Volunteering with Street Side Medics. How can you practise medicine, watch the sun set over St Kilda 🌴, and work alongside some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet?

Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering with this remarkable organisation, bringing primary healthcare directly to people experiencing homelessness and others facing significant barriers to accessing care.

My wonderful colleague, Dr Aidan Allen-Hall, has been volunteering there for much longer and was the one who encouraged me to join. He’s one of those people who quietly gets on with doing good in the world without ever talking about it.

Street Side Medics transforms vans into fully functioning GP clinics. Volunteer doctors, nurses and support teams work alongside mobile shower and laundry services, food providers and community organisations, meeting people where they  are instead of expecting them to navigate a healthcare system that can feel impossible to access.

One of the reasons I wanted to volunteer was because I’d love to see a service like this one day in Melbourne’s west, particularly around Footscray. It doesn’t exist here yet, so I thought the best place to start was by learning from people who have already built something extraordinary.

What has surprised me most is the volunteers. Every shift I work alongside inspiring people—from junior doctors wanting to give back, to experienced professors who simply tell me they wanted to do some “real medicine” again.

People often talk about volunteering as giving back. What I’ve discovered is that I receive just as much as I give.

Every shift brings special moments —a patient proudly sharing photos of their children, a conversation that starts with healthcare and ends with a little smile , or getting to pat the incredibly loyal dogs who never  leave their owner’s side. These moments remind me that good healthcare is built on trust, dignity and human connection.

It also makes me wonder: why don’t we have more services like this as part of our public health system, reaching out to people who need healthcare the most?

Perhaps change begins when people simply decide to start.

If you’re a doctor, nurse, driver or administrator looking to make a difference, I couldn’t recommend Street Side Medics more highly.

Dr Antje Theilhaber

Founder, Eleanor Clinic

Help Improve Care and Safety for People Affected by Family Violence

Eleanor Clinic is proud to be participating in the Walking Beside (WEB) Project, a research study led by the Safer Families Centre and supported by the University of Melbourne.

What is the project about?
Many women and children and non-binary people experience domestic and family violence, which can have a significant impact on health, wellbeing, and safety.
Because most people affected by family violence see a GP or practice nurse at some point, this project aims to find better ways for general practices to provide support, improve safety, and connect people with the services they need.

The research will help identify how healthcare teams can work together with patients, specialist services, and peer support workers to provide more effective and compassionate care.

What does participation involve?
Some participants may be offered:

• A longer, fully funded appointment with a GP or nurse to discuss safety and support needs
• Help developing a personalised safety plan
• Referrals to specialist family violence services if desired
• Support from a trained peer worker who has experience helping people navigate health and community services

Researchers will evaluate whether this approach helps people feel safer, more supported, less distressed, and better connected to available services.

Your privacy is protected
Protecting your privacy is a top priority.

• The study has received ethics approval from the University of Melbourne.
• No patient medical records are shared with service providers or external organisations without consent.
• Any information collected for the research is handled under strict privacy and confidentiality requirements.
• Participation is entirely voluntary, and choosing not to participate will not affect the care you receive at Eleanor Clinic.

Why is this research important?
Domestic and family violence affects many people in our community, yet there is still much to learn about the most effective ways healthcare services can provide support.
By participating, you may be helping researchers develop better systems of care for future victim-survivors and their families across Australia. The findings could help improve access to support, strengthen safety, and guide future healthcare policies and services.

Even small contributions from participants can help create meaningful change for people experiencing violence and abuse.
Interested in learning more?

If you would like more information about the WEB Project, please contact the Project Office on (03) 8344 4992 .

Thank you for considering supporting this important research to improve care, safety, and wellbeing for people affected by domestic and family violence.

ADHD Care, Neurodiversity Assessments & Perimenopause Support in Melbourne

Compassionate, Evidence-Based Private GP Care at Eleanor Clinic

At Eleanor Clinic, we provide thoughtful, high-quality private GP care for adults and adolescents seeking support with ADHD, neurodiversity, perimenopause, and ongoing mental wellbeing.
Located in Footscray and serving patients across Melbourne’s western suburbs and greater Melbourne, our doctors take the time to listen, understand your concerns, and provide personalised care in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Whether you have an existing ADHD diagnosis, are exploring whether you may be neurodivergent, or are experiencing changes during perimenopause that are affecting your concentration, memory, or emotional wellbeing, our team is here to help.

ADHD Assessment Support and Neurodiversity Care

Many people reach adulthood without ever receiving an ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Others may have spent years wondering why certain aspects of life feel more difficult than they seem to for those around them.

At Eleanor Clinic, our doctors provide supportive, neurodiversity-affirming care for patients exploring whether ADHD, ASD, or another form of neurodivergence may be contributing to challenges with:

• Attention and concentration
• Organisation and time management
• Emotional regulation
• Executive functioning
• Sensory sensitivities
• Social communication
• Workplace or study performance
• Relationships and daily life

We understand that seeking an assessment can feel overwhelming. Our role is to help guide you through the process, explain your options, and connect you with appropriate specialists when required.

Our GPs can assist with:

• Initial discussions about ADHD and neurodiversity
• Assessment of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning
• Screening questionnaires where appropriate
• Referrals to psychiatrists and psychologists experienced in ADHD and ASD assessments
• Coordination of care during the assessment process
• Review of specialist reports and recommendations
• Ongoing GP support before and after diagnosis

We recognise that many neurodivergent people have spent years feeling misunderstood or wondering why certain aspects of life seem more difficult than they do for others. Our aim is to provide respectful, neurodiversity-affirming care that focuses on understanding each person’s unique strengths and challenges.

ADHD, Women’s Health and Perimenopause

We often meet women in midlife who have spent years successfully navigating work, family, study, and the many demands of everyday life, only to find that things become unexpectedly more difficult during perimenopause.

Hormonal changes can affect concentration, memory, emotional regulation, sleep, and overall resilience, sometimes bringing previously unrecognised ADHD traits into sharper focus. Many women describe feeling as though the strategies that have always worked for them suddenly no longer do.

Our doctors understand how challenging and confusing this experience can be. We are experienced in both perimenopause care and neurodiversity-affirming practice, and we take the time to help patients understand what may be contributing to their symptoms, offering compassionate, evidence-based support for both hormonal health and ADHD.

We can assist with:

• Perimenopause and menopause assessment
• Hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options
• Cognitive and concentration concerns
• Sleep disturbance
• Mood changes and anxiety
• ADHD symptom review during hormonal transitions
• Individualised care plans

ADHD Medication and Ongoing ADHD Management

Many patients are searching for a GP who can provide ongoing ADHD care and continue ADHD medication after diagnosis.

At Eleanor Clinic, all of our doctors are experienced in providing ongoing ADHD management and are happy to continue prescribing stimulant medication when Victorian regulatory requirements have been met.

Important Information About ADHD Prescribing in Victoria
As of July 2026, Victorian regulations do not allow GPs to independently diagnose ADHD or initiate stimulant medication prescribing.

While the Victorian Government has indicated that reforms may allow GPs a greater role in ADHD prescribing in the future, these changes have not yet been implemented.

Currently, all GPs in Victoria must follow the same process:

• A psychiatrist (or paediatrician where appropriate) must first assess and diagnose ADHD.
• The specialist must provide written treatment recommendations to a specific GP.
• The GP must apply for and receive a Victorian permit to prescribe stimulant medication.
• Ongoing stimulant prescribing can only occur once that permit has been approved.

This applies to all Victorian GPs, including the doctors at Eleanor Clinic.

Once specialist correspondence has been received and the required permit obtained, our doctors can provide:

• Ongoing ADHD medication prescribing
• Medication reviews and monitoring
• Assessment of treatment effectiveness
• Side-effect monitoring
• Blood pressure and health checks
• Coordination with psychiatrists and psychologists
• Long-term continuity of care

Our goal is to provide safe, accessible, long-term ADHD care within a trusted GP relationship while ensuring compliance with current Victorian prescribing regulations.

Neurodiversity-Affirming and Inclusive Care

At Eleanor Clinic, we believe that neurodiversity is a natural part of human variation.

Our doctors provide respectful, strengths-based care that recognises the unique experiences of neurodivergent individuals. We work collaboratively with patients to understand their goals, challenges, and strengths, helping them access the support they need to thrive.

We are proud to provide inclusive care for people of all genders, sexualities, cultures, and backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ communities.

Why Choose Eleanor Clinic for ADHD and Perimenopause Care?

• Experienced private GPs with an interest in ADHD, neurodiversity, and women’s health
• Support throughout the ADHD and autism assessment journey
• Ongoing ADHD medication management when legally permitted
• Expertise in perimenopause and menopause care
• Neurodiversity-affirming approach
• Longer consultations available
• Collaborative care with psychiatrists, psychologists, and allied health professionals
• Convenient Footscray location serving Melbourne’s west and greater Melbourne
• Independent, patient-centred general practice focused on continuity of care

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a GP diagnose ADHD in Victoria?

A GP can discuss symptoms, provide initial assessment, and help coordinate care. However, as of July 2026, stimulant ADHD medication cannot be initiated by a GP alone. A psychiatrist (or paediatrician where appropriate) must assess and diagnose ADHD and provide treatment recommendations.

Can Eleanor Clinic help if I think I have ADHD or Autism?
Yes. Our doctors can discuss your symptoms, help determine whether further assessment may be appropriate, and guide you through the referral and assessment process.

Can Eleanor Clinic continue ADHD medication?
Yes. Once a psychiatrist has diagnosed ADHD, provided written recommendations, and the relevant Victorian permit has been obtained, our doctors can provide ongoing prescribing and monitoring.

Can perimenopause make ADHD symptoms worse?
Yes. Hormonal changes during perimenopause can affect attention, memory, emotional regulation, sleep, and executive functioning, often making ADHD symptoms more noticeable.

Do I need a referral to see a GP at Eleanor Clinic?
No referral is required to book an appointment with one of our GPs.

Book an Appointment

If you are looking for experienced, compassionate private GP care for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), neurodiversity, perimenopause, or ongoing ADHD medication management in Melbourne, our team would be delighted to help.

At Eleanor Clinic, we believe quality healthcare starts with being heard. Our doctors take the time to understand your concerns and work collaboratively with you to develop an individualised care plan that reflects your goals, needs, and circumstances.

Whether you are:

• Wondering if you may have ADHD or ASD
• Seeking support through the assessment process
• Looking for a GP to continue ADHD medication after specialist diagnosis
• Navigating the challenges of perimenopause and menopause
• Seeking neurodiversity-affirming healthcare

our doctors are here to support you.

Conveniently Located in Footscray
Eleanor Clinic is a private billing general practice located in Footscray, caring for patients from across Melbourne, including Yarraville, Seddon, West Footscray, Maribyrnong, Maidstone, Newport, Williamstown, Braybrook, Sunshine, and the wider western suburbs.

We offer online booking, a welcoming environment, and a strong commitment to continuity of care.

Book Online
Book an appointment online:
https://automedsystems.com.au/ams/clinics/5185/eleanor-clinic-footscray-3011/doctors

Or call our friendly reception team on:
📞(03) 9318 4666

Eleanor Clinic
20 Eleanor Street
Footscray VIC 3011

Paediatric Asthma, Chronic Cough & Sleep Specialist in Melbourne – Dr Marc Theilhaber

Children with asthma, chronic cough, wheezing or sleep problems are among the most common reasons parents search for specialist help in Melbourne.

If your child’s asthma is not improving, if they are coughing for weeks at a time, or if snoring and poor sleep are affecting their energy, behaviour or school performance, a paediatric respiratory specialist may be helpful.

At Eleanor Clinic, families have access to Dr Marc Theilhaber, a Consultant Paediatrician with subspecialty training in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, specialising in complex breathing and sleep disorders in children and adolescents.

Dr Marc works at Monash Children’s Hospital and provides specialist assessment and management for children across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Paediatric Asthma Specialist in Melbourne (Severe & Uncontrolled Asthma)

Dr Marc Theilhaber assesses and manages children with:

• Severe or difficult-to-control asthma
• Asthma not improving with standard treatment
• Recurrent asthma flare-ups
• Emergency department or hospital presentations
• Recurrent wheeze in children
• Exercise-induced breathing symptoms
• Ongoing shortness of breath or breathing difficulty

Early specialist assessment can help clarify diagnosis, optimise treatment and improve day-to-day asthma control.

Chronic Cough & Breathing Problems in Children

Dr Marc sees children with:

• Chronic cough lasting weeks or months
• Post-viral persistent cough
• Night cough or cough disrupting sleep
• Unexplained wheezing
• Ongoing breathing concerns after infections
• Exercise-related respiratory symptoms

Children’s Sleep Specialist in Melbourne (Snoring, Sleep Apnoea & Fatigue)

Sleep and breathing problems are closely linked in children.

Dr Marc also has expertise in paediatric sleep disorders, including:

• Snoring in children
• Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)
• Mouth breathing during sleep
• Restless or fragmented sleep
• Frequent night waking
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Narcolepsy and other hypersomnolence disorders

Sleep-related breathing problems may also present with behavioural concerns, difficulty concentrating, or persistent fatigue during the day.

Sleep Studies for Children (Home Oximetry & Overnight Testing)

Where clinically appropriate, Dr Marc Theilhaber is accredited to arrange and refer children for sleep investigations, including:

• Overnight oximetry studies (performed in the child’s own home)
• Formal overnight sleep studies (polysomnography) in a sleep laboratory

These investigations may be recommended when there are concerns about snoring, suspected sleep apnoea, disrupted sleep, or unexplained daytime fatigue.

When should your child see a paediatric respiratory specialist?

A referral may be appropriate if your child has:

• Poorly controlled or severe asthma
• Repeated hospital or emergency presentations
• Persistent or chronic cough
• Ongoing wheeze or breathing difficulties
• Snoring or suspected sleep apnoea
• Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Concerns about breathing during sleep

Initial assessment should always be with your GP. A referral is required from a GP, General Paediatrician or ENT specialist.

Serving Melbourne, CBD & Regional Victoria

Melbourne Western Suburbs

Footscray, Yarraville, Williamstown, Sunshine, Werribee, Altona, Maribyrnong, Caroline Springs, Point Cook

Melbourne CBD & Inner City

Melbourne CBD, Southbank, Docklands, North Melbourne, Kensington

Regional Victoria & Coastal Areas

Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay and the Great Ocean Road region

Referrals & Appointments

Children can be referred to Dr Marc Theilhaber by:

• General Practitioners (GPs)
• General Paediatricians
• ENT Specialists

To arrange an appointment:

📞 03 9318 4666

For health professionals:

📧 reception@eleanorclinic.com.au

Specialist paediatric respiratory care in Melbourne

If you are searching for a paediatric asthma specialist in Melbourne, a child chronic cough doctor, or a children’s sleep specialist for snoring, sleep apnoea or fatigue, Dr Marc Theilhaber provides specialist assessment and care through Eleanor Clinic.