Grant will help provide support forhomeless patients at the Conquest

The grant has been made by the MAXIMUS Foundation UK.

The foundation, which was formed in 2015 with a remit of providing grants to local charities and non-profit organisations that support disadvantaged groups, particularly those contributing to personal growth and self-sufficiency in areas of health, employment and community development.

The grant is to be used to fund St John Ambulance’s continued provision of support and advocacy services for homeless patients at Conquest Hospital, assisting in their discharge to ensure their safety and minimise the potential for re-admission.

The Hastings St John Ambulance’s Homeless Service provides nurse-led health care, podiatry and first aid to homeless and vulnerably housed people through its drop-in clinics.

“The Service also supports homeless patients in the Conquest Hospital by spending time visiting them and liaising with hospital staff and housing agencies. This is to ensure a safe and effectively planned discharge is in place, with all necessary support and follow-up healthcare.

Chris Blackwell, Chairman of the MAXIMUS Foundation UK, said:

“St John Ambulance is a wonderful organisation. Its team deserve enormous credit for helping patients at Conquest Hospital. Our Foundation is committed to helping disadvantaged groups, and we’re delighted to be able to contribute to the running of such an important local service.

Roger Nuttall, Nurse Coordinator for St John Ambulance, said:

“This grant will make a huge difference in enabling us to continue supporting homeless hospital patients and ensuring they receive a safe and affective discharge, preventing further ill health and re-admission.”

St John Ambulance is the nation’s leading first aid charity.

Every year, more than 800,000 people learn how to save a life through its training programmes, including hundreds of thousands of young people.

Its volunteers provide first aid in their communities, keeping people safe at events, and working alongside the NHS in response to 999 calls.

St John also campaigns to raise awareness of first aid and directly educate the public in what it says is a simple skill that has a great impact.

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