Date: 09/11/2009
The specially converted mini-bus will take to the road to offer easy access to testing, vaccinations and treatment to some of the borough's hardest to reach and most vulnerable patients, including the homeless and people who misuse drugs and alcohol.
These patients, who are unlikely to go and see a GP, can get on the bus and talk with nurses and other healthcare professionals about their healthcare needs, including:
Harm Reduction and general health information.
Support and advice to patients with addictions.
Testing and vaccination for blood born viruses like Hepatitis B, C and HIV/AIDS
Signposting for further treatment.
The bus runs 25 hours a week from Tuesday-Saturday visiting locations across the borough, where a need has been identified.
Kenneth Gregory, Substance Misuse Commissioning Manager at NHS Lambeth says: "Reducing inequalities and improving access to health services are key priorities for NHS Lambeth
"We're delighted to launch the harm reductions bus in Lambeth. This mobile service enables us to offer a personalised and less formal approach to service users who often find it difficult to access healthcare services in traditional setting."
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