New wound care clinic launches to support homeless community in Barnsley
A new wound care drop-in clinic has opened in Barnsley to provide vital health services to people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping. The clinic addresses a critical gap in healthcare provision for this vulnerable population, many of whom face significant challenges in accessing wound care treatment.
The initiative is a collaboration between services provided by South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust including neighbourhood nursing, health inclusion service, community matrons, and the tissue viability service alongside Barnsley Recovery Steps (formerly Humankind), and Barnsley Council’s housing and welfare, town centre warden, and adult safeguarding teams.
The clinic operates weekly from 10am to 12pm at Barnsley Recovery Steps premises in the McLintock Building on Summer Lane, coinciding with the ‘breakfast club’ that provides food and support to the homeless community.
Homeless individuals often suffer from untreated wounds due to limited access to sanitary facilities, poor nutrition, and harsh living conditions. As many do not seek planned healthcare, untreated wounds can rapidly worsen, leading to emergency medical interventions. Recognising these challenges, the clinic offers specialised, accessible care tailored to the unique needs of rough sleepers.
Since its launch on 14 May 2025, 22 people have received wound treatment at the clinic. The team includes an advanced clinical practitioner, a neighbourhood nursing sister, and a Barnsley Recovery Step’s health care assistant. Outreach efforts by the health inclusion service from South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust and town centre wardens help identify individuals with wound care needs and encourage them to attend the clinic.
Starting from September 2025, health inclusion service staff will join Barnsley Recovery Step’s health workers in delivering the clinic to strengthen relationships with the homeless community and expand health inclusion services.
Sophie Hempsall, associate director for nursing and professions at South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This clinic fills an important healthcare gap for people who often fall through the cracks. By bringing wound care directly to where rough sleepers feel safe and supported, we hope to prevent serious health complications and improve overall wellbeing.”
This new service exemplifies how collaboration between healthcare providers support organisations and local authorities can create meaningful health interventions for vulnerable populations.
