Rotary The Entrance has donated an ECG and spirometry machine to the Health on The Streets (HoTS) mobile health clinic run by Coast & Country Primary Care to help the team to detect potentially life-threatening conditions.
Coast & Country Primary Care CEO, Kathy Beverley, said the ECG machine will mean registered nurses will be able to assess and detect cardiac issues in clients.
“The spirometry will be able to assess, detect and monitor respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease),” she said.
“(This) means that HOTS will be able to provide early intervention referrals.
“Almost 30 per cent of our clients are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and the new equipment means that HoTS will also be able to incorporate chronic disease screening and ‘715’ screening for First Nations people.
“Providing a culturally safe service is very important to supporting First Nations clients to access care and Rotary has also supported HoTS with the design and purchase of shirts which feature a special Aboriginal artwork design by well-known Central Coast artist, Garry Purchase.”
Rotary spokesperson John Bennett said the HoTS team drives from one end of the Coast to the next, providing care to people experiencing homelessness.
“We are happy to be able to support the great work of HoTS through these special contributions and through our regular donations of care bags,” he said.
Beverley said a major part of the HoTS service was building rapport and trust with clients, which allows the team to then make referrals to appropriate programs and services.
There are also regular hubs at Mary Macs, Woy Woy and at Coast Shelter in Gosford, where registered nurses provide comprehensive health assessments including: primary health; public/sexual health; mental health; and drug and alcohol support.
For more information visit www.ccpc.com.au or call 4365 2294.
Source:
Media release, Nov 16
Coast & Country Primary Care