Limerick inclusion clinic helps to relieve pressure on UHL

A HSE clinic in the Mid-West is delivering up to 2,500 consultations a year for marginalised people, according to an analysis from Mid-West Public Health. 

The social inclusion clinic on Mungret Street is led by GP's and helps to reduce acute hospital presentations. 

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The new analysis outlines how the clinic has potentially saved more than €300,000 and 418 bed nights a year. 

Working with those who are marginalised, the clinic works with people who are homeless, those with severe addiction, migrants, refugees and other groups. 

They also provide an outreach clinic to hostels and accommodation sites. 

A GP, experienced nurses and a key worker from the Ana Liffey drug project all work at the clinic. 

They provide general healthcare, management of wounds and infections, mental health assessments, sexual health and contraceptive services, blood tests, vaccines and screening. 

During a visit to the clinic, Minister for Jennifer Murnane O'Connor said: “If we are to improve overall population health, we must ensure that everyone in society is supported and empowered to access vital health services. 

“It's heartening to visit and witness the impact of their work, which is supporting people in marginalised  groups to access care when they need it, reducing avoidable pressure on hospitals and most importantly enabling better health outcomes.”

Dr Patrick O'Donnell added that over the past 10 years, the service has developed for underserved groups. 

“Every day, we meet patients who are seeking to address complex health issues, and with the support of our multidisciplinary inclusion health team, we are able to begin to stabilise things and support them to engage with an array of relevant services across the region,” Dr O'Donnell said.

The inclusion clinic initially began as a pilot project a decade ago, set up by the University of Limerick school of medicine, HSE Mid-West social inclusion and primary care and the national social inclusion office. 

Originally clinics were held at St Vincent de Paul drop in centres and at the Ana Liffey offices.  

During her visit, Minister Murnane O'Connor also met with members of the Mid-West regional drugs and alcohol forum,  and visited other organisations including the Ana Liffey drug project and Novas, providing essential health and social care to marginalised groups in the city.