Edinburgh Homeless Practice Substance Misuse Team

EHP is a General Medical Service that specialises in providing primary healthcare to people experiencing homelessness or those who are at risk of homelessness.

What does the service offer?

• Services available include: GP Surgeries; Multi-disciplinary Substance Misuse Team; Practice Nursing; Outreach Nursing; Sexual Health; Mental Health; Dental Clinic; Podiatry Clinic; and referral to Secondary Health Care Services.
• We have a dedicated team of CPN’s working with individuals experiencing substance dependence.
• We are co-located with Housing and Social Work Services at The Access Point and also work in partnership with other agencies such as the CLC.
• We offer holistic assessment and treatment of an individual’s physical and mental health.

How does the service work?

• New patients register with Edinburgh Homeless Practice.
• There are 10 GP sessions each week.
• The Substance Misuse Team receive referrals from in-house GP’s, and various statutory and non statutory services, working with clients who are using substances and who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
• We work closely with partner agencies to provide a ‘wrap around’ approach to working with our patients.

Who is the service aimed at?

• Individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
• We seek to provide a seamless service for individuals leaving prison who have no accommodation available to them.
• We provide advice and support to partner agencies working with hard to reach populations who may be having difficulties accessing primary care.

How is the service accessed?

• Drop in surgeries at Leith Street or Cowgate.
• Access through the Community Links Centre.
• Referral from voluntary sector/related statutory agencies.