Health services at The Wellspring

Hi I'm Lucy,  I am the nurse here at the Wellspring.  I have been working here for the last 3 years now.  When I started here I shared the office with Jonathon and Paul (for those of you who new Paul).  Lots of Wellspring members took part in a Needs Assessment, to assess what kind of service would be useful for them.  With the results from the Needs Assessment, (thank you to all who took part), we are trying to move forward to develop the services that have been identified as needs for homeless people in Stockport.

The Wellspring committee, very kindly provided me with a room, constructed out of the old doors, which used to be made into the store at Harvest Festival.  This room  ?The Surgery,? allows me to have a private consultation with any of our members.  In here I can do a general health screening/check up, Blood Pressure, Height, Weight, Urine Testing, Dressings, Pregnancy Testing, GUM screening, Family Planning.  Referrals to other agencies eg Alcohol Team, GP and Dentist appointments, Drug Team, Podiatry (feet), Mental Health etc. 

Every second and fourth Wednesday of the month we have secured funding for a doctor who specialises in genitourinary medicine (GUM).  This service includes screening for sexually transmitted diseases, other problems with the genito-urinary system, family planning, cervical screening (smears) and for other health related issues, advise can be given. 

Please note these services are free and there is no appointment necessary.  People just drop in.  As with all NHS services it is very important that we use them because if we don?t we lose them.  The funding will be pulled.  So don't be shy, give us a try, we very friendly and will try to meet your needs with services we can offer.