The HealthBus Trust is a charity that provides accessible and appropriate healthcare to people experiencing homelessness in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas. The Trust operates a mobile, GP-led service in close relationship with a multidisciplinary team and other providers of homeless services. The Trust’s vision is to reduce health inequalities and develop world class expertise in homeless health through multidisciplinary partnership working. Its mission is to provide accessible, high quality, patient-centred healthcare for people experiencing homelessness. The Trust believes that every person has an equal right to effective and evidence-based healthcare in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
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Who We Are?
The HealthBus Trust is a charity that provides accessible and appropriate healthcare to people experiencing homelessness in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas. The key to success is that the Trust takes healthcare to people that are on the margins of society, disengaged and in many cases dehumanised by wider society. In partnership with allied services, we provide hope and opportunity at the point of need. The HealthBus is self-funding and operates thanks to the generosity of others, including donations, grants and fundraising.
What we do!
The Trust partners with clinical and non-clinical teams to create a wrap-around service that helps people improve their physical and mental health, free themselves from addiction and move on from homelessness. The HealthBus service reduces demand on NHS secondary care and other service providers. The Trust collaborates with hospital teams to reduce the ‘revolving door’ syndrome that sees individuals going in and out of hospital. This helps reduce demand and frees up resources for the wider community.
The HealthBus completed 1902 appointments between April 2021-March 2022, operating on four days a week. This equates to 456 patients. 194 new patients have been registered on the NHS patient computer system. The Trust has vaccinated 257 homeless people, with the COVID vaccine. Our patients were aged between 18 and 75, some with very complex conditions.
In December 2021 the HealthBus Trust won the 'Clinical Improvement Award for Public Health & Prevention 2021 Award'. Such acknowledgement and winning the award affirms the Trusts mission and commitment to working in a multidisciplinary team with a range of external partners.
Why we do it!
The Trust works across a significant number of neighbourhoods ranked 'most deprived' on the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019, including one that is placed 528 out of 32,844 in the UK. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council have estimated there are at least 650 recognised homeless people in this area, plus an unknown number of ‘invisible’ homeless (i.e. sofa surfers and people staying in temporary accommodation). Many of whom have complex and profound medical and social issues. In addition many patients are effected by alcohol and drug miss use. The Trust seeks to address the pressure on the NHS and frontline health services.
The impact we are making!
The Trust’s drop-in clinics and mobile clinic have seen a dramatic positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the homeless population. Many people with underlying health conditions are not accessing treatment until their condition becomes acute. The Trust is helping individuals to maintain their condition and aiding their recovery. This is helping them to put their lives back together and assist them off the streets.
Wayne, a rough sleeper, said: “People at the HealthBus really care. For the first time in over 30 years, I feel hopeful about the future and where I am going and what I am doing. The HealthBus gives me the chance to rebuild my life, whilst accessing essential health support.”
A recent patient stated: "After lots of encouragement from visiting health professionals I have found hope and compassion from those involved with the HealthBus. This service is a lifeline! A much needed refuge for those who are vulnerable. The staff and team involved with the HealthBus have saved and are saving lives!"