A free, confidential drop-in health clinic aimed at vulnerable migrants, women and homeless people has opened in London.
Project:London consists of two weekly clinics in east London where patients do not need to bring any proof of identity or status to receive treatment. Each clinic is staffed by a doctor and nurse who can provide basic healthcare. Support workers provide advice on how to access NHS services and help anyone needing treatment to make sure they get it. Prescriptions for medicines for short-term and one-off illnesses can be redeemed for free at a partner pharmacy in Stepney.
The project is the brainchild of Médecins du Monde UK, the British arm of an international humanitarian charity. As well as providing on the ground services, the organisation hopes to use the data it gathers from its clinics to lobby for better healthcare provision for vulnerable groups. And by making contact with the people who would otherwise be ignored or overlooked by mainstream health providers, Medécins du Monde hopes to give them a medium through which to voice their health needs.
The clinics take place every Monday and Wednesday between 1pm and 5pm at Praxis, Pott Street, London, E2 0EF. For more information phone: 020 8123 6614 or 07974 616 852 or e-mail: projectlondon@medecinsdumonde.org.uk.