A MOBILE clinic will bring health services right to people’s doorsteps this Autumn.
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is launching its very first Health Bus as part of its outreach strategy in communities which typically see lower uptakes of healthcare.
From this month, the bus will be staffed by a team who will deliver immunisation services to school-aged children on behalf of the Trust.
Karen Cridland, director of children services, said: “Immunisations are the cornerstone of public health and help to save lives. However, we know some communities do not access vaccination services in traditional ways.
“The Health Bus will enable us to reach children and families who do not routinely access mainstream services and provide a high quality service close to home, in a welcoming and comfortable environment, with an opportunity to speak privately with a clinician about their health concerns.”
Sections of communities across Berkshire have significantly lower uptakes of health services or attendance at scheduled appointments compared to the rest of the county.
The Health Bus will serve as a mobile health clinic, providing localised services within these communities, helping residents engage with its activities.
The immunisation team will focus on these areas, providing people with information on immunisations, particularly flu vaccines.
The vehicle itself features state of the art facilities, adhering to infection control standards and health and safety requirements.
Folding tables and chairs allow for flexibility, making the space suitable for a wide range of functions.
There is also a private curtained area for people wishing to speak to a clinician in confidence, as well as a ramp for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues.
At the rear, a couch, table and chairs are suitable for consulting and treatment, but can easily convert to a sensory area to enable those experiencing anxiety to access services in a calming space.
An awning creates an undercover area next to the bus to protect people from adverse weather.
Moving forward, the mobile clinic will complement its immunisation provision with promotion on a number of issues such as infant feeding, smoking cessation, healthy lifestyles, dental hygiene, mental health and sexual health education.
The bus will also join forces with other stakeholders, working collaboratively with partners across the county to better address wider healthcare.
Through its service, participating staff will provide education on early identification of symptoms for conditions such as respiratory illness, breast cancer or bowel cancer.
Early intervention can help reduce long term health costs.
