A drop-in clinic scheme in Maidstone which has seen the homeless treated for a range of health conditions has been extended for another four months after a hugely successful trial.

The clinics, held at Maidstone Day Centre and the town's Marsham Street Hostel, have been run over the last seven months by Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) after an approach by the council for nurse-led services for rough sleepers.

Complex care nurse Claire Knight and head of adult and community services Stephanie Rhodes have been behind the project, which has seen people treated for diabetes, lung disease, pregnancy, infected wounds and skin conditions.

It brought a number of local services together under one roof, including midwives, a heart failure nurse and a Macmillan cancer support nurse, with one patient needing end of life care.

Claire also advised people on reducing the chances of becoming ill, healthy lifestyles and self-care – as well as where to go for support with mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety and for financial information too.

She even managed to get one man a bike - donated following an appeal by Stephanie - after he said he felt isolated and unable to get around due to lack of money.

Also donated were clothes, sleeping bags, tents, food and a mobile phone, to make it easier for another patient to contact his GP.

The trial was due to end this month but its success has seen it extended until March, and discussions are also underway with other west Kent councils about running a similar service in neighbouring towns.

Stephanie said: “Rough sleepers were falling through the healthcare net and this project aims to find them and give them accessible and non-judgemental healthcare.

“The programme has seen us make a real difference to the lives of rough sleepers. Getting the bike for one homeless man was life changing for him.

"There is so much more to do and scope for providing care for this vulnerable group of people.”

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