Client Stories
SCOTT
Health on the Streets met Scott, who was homeless and after one year of saying hello and offering help he finally accepted help. We gave him a comprehensive health assessment. At the time he was using ICE intravenously and had a mental illness diagnosis for which he had stopped taking his medication. Scott was also Hepatitis C positive.
Scott had large blisters on his feet and a very sore back. He had been walking the streets barefoot and sleeping on the concrete with minimal bedding. He was issued with a sleeping bag, and his feet were cleaned, and wounds dressed. Health on the Streets sought the assistance from Coast Shelter to get him some shoes.
Over the next 6 months Scott was treated for Hepatitis C; was fully vaccinated against Hepatitis B and also Covid-19; engaged with a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor for his addictions; reducing the risk of Hepatitis C reinfection by seeking clean fit packs from the van; has recommenced a different medication for his mental illness with the assistance of the Health on the Streets van telehealth and is housed in supported accommodation.
DONNA
Health on the Streets met a 29yo Donna, an Aboriginal woman in a local park who after assessment had chronic mental health issues; drug and alcohol issues; and who also was at high risk of infectious diseases. The day they found Donna the Health on the Sterets team supported her to have the relevant blood collections. Less than 48hrs later we accompanied her to the LHD sexual health clinic for gonorrhoea treatment. Our client advised that if the nurse had not accompanied her to either of the appointments; she simply would not have gone. Health on the Streets continue to engage with this client on a regular basis to support her with ongoing referrals and interventions which improve her quality of life and reduce the ongoing at-risk behaviours.
CHRIS
Health on the Streets first met Chris in the park in mid-January. He was jaundiced looking; said he didn’t feel well; so the team persisted with the offers of a ‘free health check’ every time that we saw him. In late April he accepted our offer and was given a comprehensive health assessment. Part of the assessment was blood testing for Chronic Diseases and Infectious Diseases.
Within 4 days the pathology results were returned. Chris had Liver Cirrhosis and Hepatitis C. On the same day as the results were returned, referrals were made for Hepatitis C treatment to be scripted and appointments were made for a full abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) to assess for Liver Cancer. Thankfully Chris did not have Liver cancer however, the Cirrhosis was extensive, and he was referred to a Hepatologist. With the support and collaboration with the Nurse Practioner at the LHD Liver Clinic, an appointment was expedited for Chris.
In the week leading up to the appointment, Chris became increasingly anxious. He was supported by the Health on the Streets team with texts and phone calls; along with the Health on the Streets Registered Nurse attending the appointment with Chris. The Hepatologist advised that he required an operation to reduce the risk of him dying from further serious complications; and he was also scripted for Hepatitis C treatment.
Chris has referred many other rough sleepers to the Health on the Streets program stating ‘Go to them, they are very good’.
DOMINIC
Dominic was living happily in his car with his cat and dog. A full health assessment was attended, and it was found that he was living with Liver Cirrhosis from chronic alcohol misuse and a Hepatitis C infection; and was also Hepatitis B non-immune.
He was referred to the Liver Clinic for management but the earliest appointment was 9 months later. Dominic was continuing to use drugs intravenously and was therefore a further risk to the community by the treatment being delayed.
Health on the Streets nurses collaborated the ‘NSW Remote Hepatitis C Prescriber’s Program’ and Dominic was scripted the for the medication the week after he was referred. He has since commenced the Hepatitis B vaccination schedule, has commenced the Hepatitis C treatment; has had appointments via Coast & Country Primary Care’s Psychology service; is taking part in the Work Development Order program and is in the care of the Liver Clinic.
