A new mobile health clinic is roaming the streets of London and treating some of the city’s most vulnerable homeless patients.
Designed in collaboration with an aerospace electrician, the innovation comes in the form of an eco-tricycle that allows healthcare professionals to access parks, hostels, soup kitchens, under bridges and more – all in a bid to screen those most in need of blood borne viruses, STIs, TB, HIV, and deliver any necessary vaccinations.
The German-built prototype features remote temperature control that facilitates the safe storage of vaccines and other cold chain items, whilst a solar panel gives users an independent, environmentally friendly charging point.
The bike is the brainchild of Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust Specialty Doctor, Dr Indrajit Ghosh, who joined forces with University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s (UCLH) Find and Treat team to further develop the project.
He said: “The electric clinic bike is an approach for those people experiencing homeless (or who are marginalised in other ways) in a more simplified way.
"It combines the benefits of being eco-friendly and carbon neutral, with full infection control and medicine safety. It can easily be adjusted for any outreach setting – from home visits, streets or participation at outdoor events – the bike is flexible and can be fitted with customised medical equipment.”
UCLH say it will monitor the progress of the tricycle with any learnings contributing to future programmes for other NHS teams.
Founder and Clinical Lead of UCLH’s Find and Treat team, Professor Al Story, added: “Find & Treat have taken healthcare to streets for 20 years. Our job is to prevent serious infections and onward transmission. This new green low carbon e-bike fits perfectly with our mission to help the most vulnerable, protect the air we share and promote better health for all.”
The innovation’s introduction also comes as UCLH launches its net zero strategy, Critical Care For Our Climate. Read Innovation Director, Luke O’Shea’s account of the plan in the latest edition of our online magazine, by clicking here.
