Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood: MP for Bournemouth East visits HealthBus team

On 23 March 2023, the HealthBus team had the opportunity to meet the MP for Bournemouth East Rt. Hon Tobias Ellwood, Councillor Jane Kelly and Gayatri B Lokhande as they sought to discover more about the local charity and see the mobile clinic. They all had the opportunity to learn more about the unmet need facing those who are experiencing homelessness alongside the challenges to support the most vulnerable. Alongside talking with volunteers, a HealthBus patient had the opportunity to talk about their current experience and the essential need for the charity’s healthcare service.

“What the HealthBus team does locally is incredible and is vital for many in our community. Hearing how the team support veterans, vulnerable men and women including those who are currently rough sleeping is inspirational. It was a pleasure to speak with Dr Maggie Kirk and the team about future aspirations.” – Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood

The HealthBus team was able to demonstrate that the holistic care of patients isn’t just down to one organisation supporting people alone. The essential partnership with statutory services and other providers of homeless care, is what aids people in their recovery journey.

“Engaging our MP so he can see at first-hand the increased need in the community is vital. Our work is part of a complex network to ensure those who are vulnerable and need to access care, have the ability to do so. Our unique model of delivery is working and key decision makers need to know why.” – Gareth Sherwood, HealthBus Chairman.