Meet Sally (undisclosed patient)

We initially connected with this extremely vulnerable individual who was sleeping rough. The patient had not received asthma treatment or a respiratory review in the past and was wheezing down the phone to the HealthBus GP in the initial consultation. The HealthBus GP liaised with the housing team who quickly arranged accommodation. They were placed in an emergency hotel which the HealthBus Team visited the following day. Despite starting inhalers, this was not enough to avoid a severe episode of asthma which required emergency nebuliser treatment on the HealthBus mobile clinic as well as a prescription for steroids and antibiotics. This avoided hospital admission. The HealthBus Team have subsequently discussed this person with multiple agencies and wrap-around care and assessments are now in place.

Meet Wayne

“People here at the HealthBus really care. For the first time in over 30 years I feel hopeful about the future and where I am going and what I am doing. The nurses and doctors are supporting me with my wellbeing and mental health. Coming to St. Stephen’s Hall where the HealthBus is, allows myself and friends to feel welcome and valued. It’s the simple things of being able to chat with someone and having a hot drink that makes all the difference. The HealthBus gives me the chance to rebuild my life whilst accessing essential health support.”

Meet Jen (undisclosed patient)

One patient for whom antidepressants, methadone and substance misuse could have had life-threatening consequences saw the HealthBus Team. To ensure safe prescribing we advised this patient that ECG monitoring was required. From their records, we could see that other medical teams attempted to engage this patient to have an ECG for over a decade. With the assurance of a normal ECG the preferred antidepressant has been continued.

Meet Dean

“No one sets out to be purposefully on the streets … sometimes you face situations which just leave you broken and desperate. After losing my job, home and key relationships my mental health deteriorated; and I resorted to harmful substances which drove me to the streets. After lots of encouragement from visiting health professionals I have found hope and compassion from those involved with the HealthBus. This service is a lifeline! A much needed refuge for those who are vulnerable. The staff and team involved with the HealthBus have saved and are saving lives … this work must continue!”

Meet Ted (undisclosed patient)

Ted has experienced significant Adverse Childhood Experiences, including family breakdown and early trauma. These experiences have affected his ability to trust services and seek help when his health deteriorates. Like many people facing homelessness, Ted often waits until a situation becomes serious before accepting medical support. Ted came to HealthBus for a nurse consultation because he was worried about a possible DVT and needed pain relief. At first, the issue appeared to be something that could be followed up through a GP prescription. However, because the HealthBus team works relationally and takes time to listen, Ted began to share more about what had happened.

During the consultation, he disclosed that he had experienced acute visual disturbance after a fall and head injury the previous week. He had not attended A&E at the time. Recognising the potential seriousness of his symptoms, the HealthBus team arranged an urgent hospital assessment. This timely intervention helped Ted access the care he needed and reduced the risk of further deterioration.

Meet Roxi (undisclosed patient)

One patient experienced homelessness for the first time last year when their mother moved into a residential home, leaving the patient without residential accommodation. They presented at the HealthBus with concerns about hypertension in the light of a strong family history of cardiovascular disease. In view of this finding, they have had a screening, blood tests and an ECG looking for end-organ damage. We have identified a problem with the heart muscle, possibly secondary to long-standing high blood pressure. The patient is now requiring regular antihypertensives and regular BP monitoring together with treatment for raised cholesterol to reduce their cardiovascular risk factors. They are stabilising on opiate substitute treatment and is using nicotine replacement patches to further reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in the future.

Meet Suzy (undisclosed patient)

Suzy experienced significant Adverse Childhood Experiences, leaving her with unresolved trauma, anxiety and mistrust of services. Alongside this, she was living with chronic health conditions, including serious heart problems. For some time, Suzy stopped taking medication and disengaged from mainstream care. Her health deteriorated, and she was admitted to hospital as an emergency with heart failure and an irregular heartbeat.

After discharge, HealthBus clinicians worked with hospital teams and GP surgeries to provide consistent community follow-up. The team recognised Suzy’s disengagement as a trauma response linked to fear, confusion and feeling unheard. Through patient, non-judgemental support, Suzy began to understand her condition, restart treatment and rebuild trust in healthcare. She is now engaging more regularly with care, reducing the risk of further emergency admissions and helping stabilise a life-threatening condition.

Meet Vasco

Vasco De Oliveira is a support worker at Michael House in Bournemouth, where he now helps people experiencing homelessness and addiction. His role is deeply personal, shaped by his own journey through addiction, homelessness and recovery.

Vasco came to England from Portugal 24 years ago for treatment for heroin and cocaine addiction. After initially becoming clean, he relapsed and spent many years caught in a cycle of relationships, alcohol, drug use, depression and instability. Around eight years ago, after a relationship breakdown and arrest, Vasco lost everything and became homeless. He was referred to Michael House, a drug and alcohol-free supported accommodation service, where he began rebuilding his life through the 12 Step Programme, faith, community and support from a mentor with lived experience of addiction. After two years as a resident, Vasco was offered a job as a support worker.

Now 13 years clean, employed and stable, Vasco uses his experience to support others. He describes his purpose as helping people “one day at a time.”