Dedicated healthcare clinic for homeless people

A central Manchester GP practice is launching the only dedicated Saturday healthcare service for homeless people of Greater Manchester.

The Homeless Clinical Support Hub, which will operate from City Health Centre, will provide Saturday drop-in clinics for those who need treatment for acute illnesses, general health checks and signposting to other relevant services in the city.

Ashley Madden, practice manager at City Health Centre, said he is excited to open this much-needed nurse-led service for the homeless, which launches on Saturday, 5 October.

“The team has been working closely with homeless charities, day centres and healthcare providers in Manchester including Barnabus, the Booth Centre and Urban Village Medical Practice to promote the new service and to further our understanding of homeless people’s healthcare needs,” he said.

“Our priority is to ensure the drop-in clinic, which will initially run every other Saturday, is accessible to homeless people so that they can get the right medical treatment.

“The team has worked hard to mobilise the service before the winter months kick-in so that we can help them manage any chronic medical problems such as coughs, colds, chest infections and wounds before the cold weather further affects their health.”

Amanda Croome, chief executive of the Booth Centre, said the service has their full backing and they will absolutely raise awareness of and signpost their service users to the Homeless Clinical Support Hub.

“It’s extremely reassuring that homeless people can seek medical advice and treatment of a weekend without suffering in silence or ending up in the emergency department,” she said.

“I am sure the Homeless Clinical Support Hub will prove to be an invaluable service and I am delighted that we now have a dedicated healthcare facility to signpost to.”

Services available at the Homeless Clinical Support Hub include:

• general health checks, screening for sexually transmitted infections and sexual health service signposting;
• preventative illness care and advice;
• treatment of acute / chronic medical problems such as coughs, colds, sore throat/tonsilitis, chest infections, urine infections, skin infections, eye infections, ear infections and minor dressing of wounds, or signposting to a service that can deal with the medical problem;
• help to find support and advice on social issues;
• support in registering with a GP practice;
• new patient health checks including blood borne viruses / sexually transmitted infections; every new homeless person who registers with City Health Centre will receive a health plan.

City Health Centre, which operates a GP practice and walk-in service is based above Boots the Chemist on Market Street, Manchester.

For further information, please visit www.gtdhealthcare.co.uk/cityhealthcentre