Homeless project shortlisted in national awards

nurse Claire Knight

A project we launched last year, to take healthcare to homeless people, has been shortlisted for an HSJ Value Award.

The prestigious awards recognise excellence in healthcare, with the winners to be announced on 21 May 2020.

The quality improvement project has seen homeless people treated for diabetes, lung disease, pregnancy, infected wounds and skin conditions at drop-in clinics.

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) set these up following an approach by Maidstone Borough Council for a nurse-led clinic for rough sleepers in the town.

Complex Care Nurse Claire Knight and Head of Adult and Community Services Stephanie Rhodes are behind the project. They worked closely with other organisations to bring several services all under one roof, including midwives, a heart failure nurse and a Macmillan cancer support nurse, with one person needing end of life care.

Claire also advised patients on reducing the chances of becoming ill, healthy lifestyles and self-care – as well as where to go for support with mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety and for financial information too. She has given homeless people the flu jab too.

Find out more here