Medical Clinic

Health Care for Those Most in Need

Locating a medical clinic in the same place where homeless people come for shelter and food makes sense. It makes sense for homeless individuals – no extra walking, and they know staff can help connect them with services that meet the unique needs of the homeless.

The Health Care Co-ordinator, an experienced RN, operates the clinic five days a week. Four times a week, St. Elizabeth nurses provide evening clinics. As of August 2010, Inner City Health Associates is providing enhanced care for clients who suffer from mental illness.

Clinic staff deal with a wide range of health problems. Some minor issues like colds, headaches, body and head lice, and rashes caused by bed bugs can be treated quickly on site.

However, many health problems common among the homeless – diabetes, hepatitis C, asthma, bronchitis, congestive heart failure, arthritis, mental illness – need more care than the clinic can provide. The Co-ordinator refers clients to other health care providers, arranges transportation to appointments, networks with social workers, housing workers and street nurses.

The Co-ordinator also organizes a foot-care clinic once a month, helps clients apply for free eye-glasses and arranges affordable dental care.

Providing health care that meets the needs of homeless individuals makes sense for the whole community. Early detection can stop the spread of infectious diseases. Early treatment can keep health problems from turning into severe, chronic conditions that are difficult and expensive to treat.

In a typical week, Good Shepherd Centre's medical clinic serves 75 individuals. Some clients need daily care.