The HealthBus Trust provides accessible and appropriate healthcare to people experiencing homelessness in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas.
The charity's mission is to provide accessible, high-quality, patient-centred healthcare for people experiencing homelessness to address health inequalities and reduce the pressure on the NHS and frontline services of ‘revolving door’ patients. The HealthBus Trust believes that every person has an equal right to effective and evidence-based healthcare in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
The charity was founded by Dr Maggie Kirk, who through her work as a GP, was inspired by the bravery of many homeless people who have overcome multiple challenges to succeed in their recovery journeys. These challenges have been complicated by health problems and often compounded by dependence upon drugs and alcohol.
Dr Kirk said: “Over the years, people have told me how hard it is to engage with traditional health services whilst homeless. This is particularly so when sleeping rough. As a result, health problems often go unchecked until it is too late or an emergency develops, often at great cost to the individual and health services.”
The HealthBus was established in 2016 and now has an outstanding board of Trustees with a wide range of expertise, of which one has experienced homelessness.
The Trust has been recognised locally and nationally as pioneering and innovative. Engaging vulnerable patients with essential healthcare has disproportionate benefits for the individuals concerned, for the rest of the health economy and for the general well-being of the community.
The charity works in conjunction with local providers of homeless services including the hospitals. These partnerships help people find the support they need to move on in life.
Their ultimate hope is that adequate healthcare, appropriate for the needs of people experiencing homelessness, will be fully funded by the NHS.
In 2023 the Randal Charitable Foundation provided significant grant funding towards the charity’s programme medical costs, bus equipment and bus fuel costs.
