A TAUNTON-based team of nurses and health workers who offer care to anyone who is homeless is a finalist in a national awards.

The six nurses, four health link workers and an administrator support people without a permanent home, such as those in hostels, sofa surfers, people released from prison, sex workers, gypsies and travellers.

The team run by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust was started in early 2021, funded by the Somerset Integrated Care System.

Registered nurse Karen George is the clinical lead for the service, which has been shortlisted for a Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) award for health and wellbeing.

She said: "We know help and support with health inequalities is very much needed in our communities.

“With the current cost of living crisis, the number of homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless is sadly increasing, which means our team caseload is continuing to grow.

“We're thrilled to be shortlisted for this award. The feedback we’ve received from the other organisations we work alongside has been outstanding – they’ve told us our team is joining up the gaps where nursing care wasn’t previously being provided.

“One example of someone we’ve recently provided healthcare for was a middle-aged gentleman with end-stage cancer who was rough sleeping. Due to a multitude of different issues, he was unable to live in the local homeless hostel.

"Our nurse took healthcare to him on the streets, joined multiple agencies together, and was eventually able to secure him a safe comfortable place to end his days."

The team carries out health checks; wound care; blood tests; help with medical appointments; advice and support with medication concerns; sexual health promotion and checks; dental health promotion; swabs, removal of stitches/staples; and confidential advice.

Karen added: "Many people we support won’t necessarily come into healthcare settings regularly.

“We'll see them whenever and wherever they need us, such as on the street, in hostels or even in a field.

“We also arrange drop-in sessions at hostels, YMCAs and other locations in the community.

"Building trust with this group of people has enabled us to help reduce the demand on our emergency departments and minor injuries units, as well as GP practices.

“There's been a lot of interest from other areas in the country too, with other services keen to learn from our experiences.”

*The winners will be revealed at a gala RSPH Health and Wellbeing Awards 2022 on Thursday, October 20.

*The trust manages Musgrove Park Hospital, mental health units in Bridgwater, Taunton and Wells, and community hospitals in Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Chard, Crewkerne, Frome, Minehead, Shepton Mallet, South Petherton, Wellington, West Mendip, Williton and Wincanton.