Homeless people and drug addicts will be given better access to healthcare thanks to a specially converted minibus that will travel around Lambeth treating the most hard to reach residents.

NHS Lambeth and homeless charity St Mungo’s have launched the bus to give people better access to vital testing, vaccinations and treatment for serious viruses like Hepatitis B,C and HIV and Aids.

Patients, who are unlikely to go and see a GP, can get on the bus and talk with nurses and other healthcare professionals about their healthcare needs.

The bus will run for 25 hours a week from Tuesday to Saturday visiting locations across the borough where a need has been identified.

Kenneth Gregory, substance misuse commissioning manager at NHS Lambeth, said: “Reducing inequalities and improving access to health services are key priorities for NHS Lambeth.

“We’re delighted to launch the harm reduction bus in Lambeth.

"This mobile service enables us to offer a personalised and less formal approach to service users who often find it difficult to access healthcare services in a traditional setting.”

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