Healthcare for all

It was in his first year that Joshua Strange heard Dr Pip Fisher, a GP, talk about working with homeless and refugee patients. Inspired, he decided to set up a student society aimed at raising awareness of hard-to-reach patient groups.

Joshua remembers: “I was struck by how these patients were often the most desperate for health care and yet had the worst access to it. High levels of homelessness in Manchester made me want to do something to change things.

“Students have so much to offer to society. I think we underrate what we’re capable of, because we feel we’re so early in our professional lives. But actually, we already have so many useful skills which we can offer to the world around us. We can change the world for the better.”

The society directs students to homeless charities where they can help out, such as drop-in centres or night shelters. Students are also encouraged to observe health-care professionals working in this field, for example at a dental practice which treats homeless patients and a nurse-led clinic within a homeless day centre.

Talks and workshops on homeless health-care topics support these activities and are open to all interested students. These are often attended by charity workers wishing to learn more.

Joshua adds: “We have to stay within the competencies of what students can do, but over the next few years we are hoping that volunteers can be directly involved, helping out with simple tasks – such as recording body measurements and blood pressures.

“We hope through our society our future health-care professionals are better prepared to interact with this patient group, who are so often in need of good medical care yet excluded from it.”

Now entering his final year of study, Joshua reflects on his Manchester experience. “I think we’re so lucky at Manchester, to be part of such a vibrant university and city. We are surrounded by so many incredible, enthusiastic people – from students and academics, to local volunteers and community leaders.

“You don’t have to search far to find people who share a passion with you. I would encourage students to pursue any interest they have. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people to try and do new things.”