A Medical Social Work team initiative
As a public hospital located in Dublin’s North Inner City, the Mater serves Ireland’s most socially and economically deprived communities and vulnerable populations, including patients who are homeless and needing acute medical care. The hospital can frequently care for up to 50 patients who are homeless on a single day.
The Patient Care Packs provide vulnerable patients with clean, dry clothes and basic hygiene items in a waterproof rucksack – things most of us take for granted – supporting their health, dignity and self-worth during their hospital stay and in preparation for discharge. Having access to these basics can enable people to complete their treatment and engage with healthcare.
Your support in helping to provide warm clothes and hygiene items positively impacts the physical and mental health of patients. Particularly those who are marginalised or have difficulty accessing and engaging with health services. Unfortunately this is an increasingly pressing issue in society, which is reflected in our patients’ needs.