SJG Mt Lawley Hospital supports Homeless Healthcare
It was a great way to start to the day, handing over $1213 to our Charity of the Year, Homeless Healthcare, thanks to the fantastic efforts of our caregivers.
12 Sep 2017
12 September 2017
Homeless Healthcare provides crucial services to people living on the street, aiming to provide much-needed ‘wrap around’ care for homeless and marginalised people.
Zoe Thebaud, Nurse Manager at Homeless Healthcare says partnership and collaboration with other agencies is important in achieving their objective of improving the health and wellbeing of people when they are homeless.
“We provide GP clinics and drop-in centres, where our dedicated team of GPs, nurses and nurse practitioners carry out health checks, wound care and other clinical care.
“Importantly, we also make sure they have access to ongoing follow-up health care and support services to make sure they stay well with a roof over their head over the long term.
“We are well aware that it is one thing to be able to provide housing to someone who has been homeless long term, but there is a need to make sure they have the tools to look after themselves and their health.
“We are so thankful for the efforts of all the caregivers at SJG Mt Lawley Hospital for contributing to this donation and we hope to continue to partner with the hospital,” says Zoe.
Director of Mission, Mario Bugna says the enthusiasm with which people have contributed or become involved is a great reflection of the values of our hospital.
“Just some of the fundraising activities have included Frankie and the Ursula Frayne team raising over $300 over a cake sale, and Debbie gathering over $550 through the sale of the entertainment books,” says Mario.
“A thank you also needs to go to caregivers Colleen Fossey and Sakina Sakina Bhavnagarwala, who originally encouraged us to nominate Homeless Healthcare, and continue to encourage fellow caregivers to donate goods to the charity.”
Some facts about homelessness*:
- Research in Europe and America shows homeless people have a life expectancy of between 43 and 48
- Homeless people are six times more likely to die from suicide
- They are 2.5 times more likely to die from natural causes
- Homeless people are 15 times more likely to die from intentional harm than the general population.
*Source: Homeless Healthcare
Find out more: Homeless Healthcare