CLINIC

Michelle Wilkinson is our centre nurse.

HEALTH ASSESSMENTS:

All new clients who register with Beacon House have a basic Health Check.

Existing clients can also have a health assessment.

HEALTH ADVICE:

Drugs & Alcohol

Sexual Health

Contraception & Pregnancy Testing

Smoking Cessation

Asthma Care

Healthy Eating & Health Living 

GENERAL MEDICAL CARE:

Advice, treatment and medication can be given for minor illnesses and injuries such as:

Colds & sore throats

Ear or eye infections

Sprains, strains, soft tissue injuries

Gastrointestinal symptoms

Respiratory conditions

Skin conditions

Sexual health including contraception

Smoking cessation

Female cystitis

Wound care

Ear syringing

Foot care

Referrals will be made to GPs and other agencies as required.   

NEEDLE EXCHANGE:

We are a Fixed Site Needle Exchange Centre.

Our clients have a very different concept of health in that a safe and dry place to sleep is their priority, depending on whether the client has other problems, how they look after themselves and their health is usually the bottom of their priority list.

Here are some statistics about health and homelessness:

• 30-50% of homeless people experience mental health problems

• About 70% of homeless people misuse drugs

• About 50% of homeless people are dependant on alcohol

• Rough sleepers are 35 times more likely to kill themselves than the general population

• Physical health is poor, e.g. high rates of TB, respiratory problems and skin diseases.

Crisis Health in Homelessness Strategies Feb. 2003

© 2005 Beacon House Ministries