zima
05-16-2006, 02:17 PM
I am an ER nurse in Norristown, PA (US). I am also going back to school for my BSN at age 47! I have worked with the homeless for the last 26 yrs in the ER so I see that side of life but I am interested in hearing about how other countries work with the homeless. I will present this next week in class.
Our system is broken in the US. Healthcare is pathetic when it comes to the homeless-it's a revolving door. They can't afford the medicine they need to cure the disease they have-so the ER has become their primary care facility. And they come back sicker each time. These people become family to our staff as we see them frequently. We have an unwritten policy in our ER to feed and shelter our regulars. Reading the information on the front page of this site was an eye opener. I do believe that the healthcare workers are an extended family in some cases.
My question to you in other countries-how does the homeless population affect your healthcare systems?
What types of programs do you have -not only to shelter but to provide healthcare services and followup care.
For those who work in shelters-what is the one thing you need more of to do your job? (money, volunteers, better access to health care or govt funding, etc??)
Thank you for your time. This site has been a great resource!
Our system is broken in the US. Healthcare is pathetic when it comes to the homeless-it's a revolving door. They can't afford the medicine they need to cure the disease they have-so the ER has become their primary care facility. And they come back sicker each time. These people become family to our staff as we see them frequently. We have an unwritten policy in our ER to feed and shelter our regulars. Reading the information on the front page of this site was an eye opener. I do believe that the healthcare workers are an extended family in some cases.
My question to you in other countries-how does the homeless population affect your healthcare systems?
What types of programs do you have -not only to shelter but to provide healthcare services and followup care.
For those who work in shelters-what is the one thing you need more of to do your job? (money, volunteers, better access to health care or govt funding, etc??)
Thank you for your time. This site has been a great resource!