Vulnerable people who use hostel accommodation in Doncaster are set to benefit from a brand new on-site health room where they can receive medical care and treatment by a GP and other health professionals.
The clinic room which will open this month (March) and located inside Wharf House on Wharf Road in Doncaster, is a joint venture between Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service, a GP Federation called Primary Care Doncaster Ltd and Riverside Care and Support, a service for the homeless in Doncaster.
The aims of the new facility is to give this group of people improved access to health care in a setting which better meets their needs and to reduce the likelihood of health related conditions from becoming more serious.
Stuart Green, Service Manager for Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service, said: “By having this dedicated health room inside the hostel is a great opportunity to meet people in their own accommodation and ensure that they get the medical attention and support that they need. This group of people is more likely to have a drug and/ or alcohol addiction, that’s why we provide support, advice and wound care treatment to aid their recovery and wellbeing.”
The team which consists of a GP, wound care nurse, Hepatitis C specialist nurse and drug and alcohol support, currently sees people on a specially adapted ‘Health Bus’ which is parked on Wharf Road. The dedicated clinic room will provide an improved space in which the team can see, assess and treat any health related conditions inside the hostel.
Liz Leggott, Clinical Services Manager for Primary Care Doncaster, said: “I am very pleased that we have this new facility which gives us more scope to treat people who may not normally attend GP practices. We want to ensure that they receive the medical care and attention that is vital for their health and wellbeing. It will also prevent conditions from becoming more serious and possibly resulting in a stay in hospital. This new room is part of our commitment to ensure that health care is accessible by all people regardless of their current situation.”
Wharf House is located on Wharf Road in Doncaster and provides accommodation and support for single, homeless people aged over 16 years in the Doncaster area.
