On 31 July, Chris Streather, Regional Medical Director at NHS England London visited Health E1 Homeless Medical Centre in east London to find out more about a recently established drop-in clinic offering bloodborne virus (BBV) testing for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C to people experiencing homelessness.
The clinic is part of a 6-month pilot commissioned by the NHS England Hepatitis C Elimination Programme, looking to raise awareness, address stigma and improve access to BBV testing and treatment for marginalised populations through primary care in a collaborative and sustainable way.
The drop-in clinic at Health E1, which is open access and lived experience led, offers harm minimisation interventions, wound care and liver health screening as well as providing active outreach to people experiencing homelessness across the area. It’s been co-developed with colleagues from across primary care, as well as local service partners and advocacy agencies, including St. Mungo’s, Providence Row, Positive East, Hepatitis C Trust, Bart’s Health NHS Foundation Trust, British Liver Trust and Hep C U Later.
Health E1 is one of two pilot sites as part of the project, with the Brigstock Medical Practice in Croydon scheduled to begin offering opt-out BBV testing for all patients shortly.
The project is being led by the London Homeless Health Partnership and supported by Fast Track Cities London.
For more information, email rf-tr.hlp-homelesshealth@nhs.net