Health Services
Fri, 08/19/2016 - 09:00
Health Work at RMC
RMC are funded by Wolverhampton City Council Public Health, Wolverhampton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Big Lottery to deliver services which address health inequalities amongst our clients.
We offer a Client Needs Assessment (CNAT) to all new clients. In particular this assesses their health needs and an action plan is negotiated to address those needs.
Asylum Seekers can access a monthly ‘Welcome to Wolverhampton’ session at RMC when they learn about how to use the NHS’s various points of delivery. At the same session they learn about healthy lifestyles and are offered an individual health test and, if appropriate, on site individual health coaching. The West Midland Fire Service delivers a session on safety, AMEY tell clients about appropriate waste disposal in the city and clients are offered a free sight screening test with follow-up optician appointments when necessary.
We support all clients in registering with GPs, dentist and opticians. Clients can access the various onsite screening clinics at RMC including: weekly HIV, monthly latent TB and hepatitis. We host a weekly drop-in Health Visitor’s clinic and a mid-wife is always on call.
Clients can be trained as Health Volunteers whose role it is to complete the CNAT with new clients, recruit for the various clinics and carry out the GP, dentist and optician registration work. They also accompany clients to practices for interpretation or social reasons when necessary.
Wolverhampton CCG fund, two RMC staff members to educate patients in New Cross Emergency Department about other points of NHS delivery in an attempt to reduce inappropriate attendance.
We work closely with partners such as Healthy Minds, Recovery Near You, Aquarius and SUIT to meet individual’s needs. In particular we and are currently developing a comprehensive, onsite mental health offer for clients who find it very difficult to access such support elsewhere.
In recognition of the fact that language is probably the biggest barrier to accessing appropriate health provision we provide a range of English Language lessons to support clients, especially those who in their first six months in the UK are unable to access such support elsewhere.
We also provide training to health professionals in client rights in relation to the NHS as lack of such knowledge can be a barrier to our clients in attempting to access primary care
Often we need to support clients with multiple health related and other issues which ultimately impact on their health. This is exemplified in Ahlem’s story below:
Ahlem’s journey
Ahlem was told she would not be able to register at the GP, so came to RMC for help. A staff member on RMC’s health project called the surgery and was advised that Ahlem would need to bring her G4S tenancy agreement with her next time.
Ahlem was then booked in for a CNAT (Client Needs Assessment Tool). Having discussed her options with her, a health volunteer assisted her to find a GP surgery nearer to her home. She was helped by a health volunteer to fill in the registration form and provided with a supporting letter from RMC to take to the GP, explaining why she did not have the usual documents required for registration and detailing her need for an interpreter.
She was also booked in for an appointment to complete registration and have a check-up at a dental surgery local to her same time.
The health volunteer then booked Ahlem for an appointment with the midwives from a local hospital who run surgeries on site at the RMC. The midwife conducted antenatal checks and confirmed that she was pregnant. She was assisted in filling in the necessary forms to officially register the pregnancy. She was also advised to make an appointment with the midwife at her GP practice.
Our partners
ADVICE & GUIDANCE
RMC provides free information, advice and support for some of the most vulnerable people in our society regardless of their immigration status or background.
SUPPORT US
‘RMC is a charity committed to changing the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of our community. We welcome your kind support and donations, with your help we can reach more people to make a positive and lasting difference to their lives.
For further information please contact Emma@rmcentre.org.uk’
VOLUNTEER
“RMC volunteers are a huge resource, giving their time, skills, experience and energy”
If you would like to volunteer with us please email info@rmcentre.org.uk
AWARDS
The Guardian Charity Awards Winner 2016
RMC were one of five winners from over 900 nominations. Judges particulary liked our innovative 'wrap around' service.
The South Staffordshire Medical Foundation Award Winner 2016
Awarded to RMC for piloting a Latent TB clinic which 'demonstrated that it is possible to provide access to health care for a population that might not otherwise recieve it, and by screening a high risk cohort an excellent diagnostic yeild was obtained'.
Wolverhampton Youth 4 Peace Bravery Award 2008
DfEE Exceptional Achievement Award 2001
For 'in recognition of your outstanding contribution to your community'.
