HOMELESS people in Worcester will be able to get easy access to a range of health services after a new scheme was launched at a city hostel.
Bosses at NHS South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) have set up a new Homeless Health Hub service which will be based at Maggs Day Centre.
The Hub will offer homeless people the chance to receive expert advice, information and support on a number of health conditions.
These services will be available on a rota bases and offered to rough sleepers to drop in every Wednesday morning between 10am and 12pm at the centre on Deansway.
The hostel already provides a safe haven for homeless, vulnerable and socially isolated people as they can shower, wash their clothes, eat and receive advice.
Mel Kirk, service manager of Maggs Day Centre, said: “We were keen to host this service, as easy access to health services is vital to our clients. The barriers to mainstream services mean that homeless people often don’t get the help they need.”
The scheme has been launched following a consultation with homeless people and the organisations which support them in the city.
It also comes after the city’s walk-in health centre on Farrier Street, which dealt with about 15,000 patients a year, was controversial closed in October as part of plans to reorganise local NHS services.
Dr Carl Ellson, chief clinical officer for NHS South Worcestershire CCG, added: “We’re really pleased to be able to offer a service like this which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of homeless people in Worcester.
“A lot of work has gone into getting this service off the ground. A special thanks should go to the Maggs Day Centre for hosting the drop-in sessions, but also a thanks to St Pauls, the YMCA, and a host of health and voluntary organisations that have come together to offer the variety of services available.”
