Rough sleepers who are being housed in hotels and other properties throughout the coronavirus pandemic are receiving emergency medical care.
AdvertisementA new triage service has been set up to help homeless in Preston and across the rest of Central Lancashire.
Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust has been working with The Foxton Centre, Preston City Council and other charities and organisations to co-ordinate the medical care for those in need.
More than 150 homeless people in the city and beyond are identified as needing medical support and healthcare during the pandemic.
The Foxton Centre and Preston City Council’s rough sleeper co-ordinator, Mandy Stitt, said: “It’s great to see that rough sleepers are receiving access to this much needed support. Some have very complex needs, and the commitment shown by the various agencies to put the right help in place quickly and carry this forward is really exciting.”
Read more: How The Foxton Centre is helping the city’s homeless through lockdown
The clinics, which take place in various locations, can undertake medical treatment if required, deliver substance misuse services and offer mental health support.
Strategic lead for integrated community wellbeing at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Philip Gooden, said: “It’s great to see all the different teams and agencies come together to ensure those in need receive the vital support they need at this challenging time.
“We’ve reacted swiftly to the situation and developed new best practice which will improve healthcare outcomes for the homeless both now and in the future.”
Leader of Preston City Council, councillor Matthew Brown, said: “We’re proud to be part of this multi-agency approach in helping and supporting the homeless and most vulnerable in our area. Many of the people we help have complex needs but the triage service and accommodation provision will hopefully help, not just now, but also in the future.”
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