A POP-up clinic has been launched this month as part of an NHS scheme to improve the health of homeless people during the harsh winter.

The drop-ins take place at Newbold Church every other Thursday, one of seven churches who form part of the night shelter service and at the Kerith Centre every other Tuesday afternoon.

Katerina Nash, senior CCG manager said: "Pilots such as these are crucial for people who are homeless and vulnerable, especially during the winter months."

Employed by East Berkshire Clinical commissioning group (CCG), the clinics are provided by Berkshire Primary Care in conjunction with the Pilgrims Hearts Trust - a local charity which set up Bracknell's night shelter for the homeless in 2014.

The pilot was first introduced between December 1, 2017 and March, 31 2018 and has since been a success to improving access to health services for people who are homeless.

Analysis from the pilots data show that there were no hospital admissions or deaths for homeless people during that time, compared to same period the previous year where 10 admissions and two deaths were recorded.

Helen Snowden, director of operations for Berkshire Primary care said: "For some homeless and vulnerable people, visiting their GP is not an option for a variety of reasons. Therefore reaching out to them and others is certainly a step in the right direction as the benefits are two-fold, both for the person and the NHS."

The pop-up clinics are staffed by a registered NHS GP, a nurse and a member of admin staff who offer health checks, advice, referrals, dressing wounds, vaccinations as well as issuing prescriptions.

The service also allows the medical team to liaise with housing charities and the local community mental health team.

Mark Saunders, project lead for Healthwatch Bracknell Forest said: "We are delighted that the clinic will return this year. We feel this was much needed and has contributed to a better health experience by the people using the service."

A similar pilot is running in Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead, and Slough will be launching its pilot next month.