Homeless program makes final
Australian provider of home nursing and healthcare, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), was last week named as a finalist at the 2012 Melbourne Awards. The awards honour and celebrate the city’s high achievers, recognising outstanding contributions in sustainability, community and the profile of the city.
Australian provider of home nursing and healthcare, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), was last week named as a finalist at the 2012 Melbourne Awards.
The awards honour and celebrate the city’s high achievers, recognising outstanding contributions in sustainability, community and the profile of the city.
RDNS’ submission in the Contribution to Community by a Community Organisation category was its Homeless Persons’ Program (HPP).
The HPP program focuses on homeless people, with RDNS ensuring this vulnerable group does not “go without” healthcare.
RDNS chief executive, Stephen Muggleton, said: “Every city has its homeless, but it is the way a city addresses the issues which makes the city truly great.”
“Many people do not know this work is going on around them as they go about their day-to-day business in the city,” he said.
Pictured, Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle congratulates RDNS Homeless Persons’ Program manager, Theresa Swanborough OAM.
Mr Muggleton added RDNS nurses were “the difference between hope and despair”.
The HPP team comprises community nurses based in Melbourne who specialise in the care of individuals experiencing homelessness. These include people who live in rooming houses, crisis accommodation, hotels, parks and on the street.
The nurses provide primary care, including health and social assessments, professional nursing care, counselling and active support, first aid, medication management and follow-ups.
They then work with other agencies to implement collaborative programs between homeless people and other health services, including public hospitals.
Find out more about RDNS’ Homeless Persons’ Program by calling 1300 33 44 55.
