No One Left Behind: A Homeless Health Project becomes a service in Bromley
The award-winning Bromley Homeless Health Project, which has been running successfully for the past three years, has now become an ongoing service. Bromley GP Alliance (BGPA) will continue to build on the strong foundations already in place and continuing to work collaboratively with One Bromley partners and Bromley Homeless Charity to improve health outcomes for some of Bromley’s most vulnerable residents.
Based at the United Reformed Church and delivered alongside Bromley Homeless Charity, the clinic provides on the day management for acute and chronic health care needs for people experiencing homelessness. Over the past three years, the service has grown through close working with local One Bromley partners and now offers access to a wide range of support, including podiatry, optometry, dentistry and other specialist support such as mental health.
What began as a volunteer-led GP Thursday Night Clinic during the winter months has grown into an established and highly valued service supporting some of Bromley’s most vulnerable residents. The initiative has evolved from a volunteer-run effort into a funded project and is now recognised as an essential health service. Kim Sutton, Services Manager, Bromley Homeless Charity says “I am proud to have been part of the project and see it moving from being temporary to become sustainable.” The team will expand its reach, supporting more individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and helping to ensure they can access the care they need.
The service not only addresses significant health inequalities but also demonstrates the success of collaborative working, bringing together healthcare partners and charitable organisations to deliver high-quality care.
Dr Hasib Ur-Rub, Co-Chair of Bromley GP Alliance: “People experiencing homelessness are, internationally, poorly served for their health care needs, so it is very exciting that One Bromley has commissioned a homeless health service for clients living in the borough. This fills a much-needed gap for access to primary health care for this very vulnerable cohort of patients who may not want to or be able to access general practice services. The precursor to this service was a project by Bromley GP Alliance working in close collaboration with the Bromley Homeless and supported by One Bromley which demonstrate the benefit of such a service to, the clients and the overall health system in Bromley. This new service will build on the dedicated health hub concept of being tailored, integrated and trauma informed to deliver an invaluable service to a marginalised population.”
Sarah Jackson, Clinical Service Manager/ANP, BGPA Homeless Health Service: “For the Bromley Homeless Health Project to now become an ongoing service is both a great achievement and a real assurance that this need has been recognised. People continue to present with serious and life changing health issues and I feel privileged to be able to work alongside Bromley Homeless Charity to make a true difference to people’s lives.”
With continued support from our One Bromley partners and Bromley Homeless Charity, the service will further develop to ensure that the right care is delivered at the right time and in the right place, to provide a safe, compassionate service that meets the needs of all, regardless of an individual’s circumstances.