UC, University Hospital Take Health Care Where It's Needed

Cincinnati's homeless will now have a place to go in their own neighborhood for health care issues needing attention when all other resources are closed. 

The UC College of Nursing and The University Hospital are teaming up with City Gospel Mission to provide an after-hours clinic to address health needs without requiring patients to travel when mobility or transportation might otherwise be a issue.

"It is important that we not only provide high quality care in our hospitals and clinics near campus, but that we also bring care to those who need it most," said Andrea Lindell, dean, UC College of Nursing.

The clinic will be open from 6-8 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, and will be staffed by University Hospital nurse and UC College of Nursing alumnus, Adele Corbin, RN, with clinical support provided by UC nursing students. Staff will offer health education, simple screenings and referrals to services open during the day like the Health Resource Center.

"The clinic at City Gospel Mission is a wonderful example of how agencies can work together to help our community," said Corbin, clinic director of the after-hours clinic. "The idea of the clinic grew from a graduate school project and it is very exciting to see this clinic become a reality.  This is a great way to improve access to healthcare in the evening hours."

In 2001, UC graduate students in the community health nursing program found that many of Cincinnati's homeless were traveling to emergency rooms in the evening for health care needs that could be met without hospital admissions.  Many of the health issues presented could be addressed within downtown neighborhoods, if only the venue existed. 

"This is an outstanding program that exemplifies the commitment by University Hospital to serve the entire community," said James Kingsbury, senior vice president of University Hospital.  "The dedicated nurses involved deserve a great deal of credit for their efforts." 

Christine Savage, RN, PhD, CARN, associate professor and director of the UC community health nursing masters program, worked to secure funding for the clinic and will act as director. Robin Lee, RN, MSN, assistant clinical professor in the UC College of Nursing, will coordinate student participation at the clinic.

Support for the clinic came from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation and the Butler Foundation.

IF YOU GO

What: After-hours clinic grand opening

When: Thurs., May 13, 4-6 p.m.  Program at 5 p.m.

Where: City Gospel Mission, 1419 Elm Street

Who: UC Senior Vice President and Provost for Health Affairs Jane E. Henney, MD; College of Nursing Dean Andrea Lindell; University Hospital Nurse Adele Corbin; Senior Vice President of University Hospital Jim Kingsbury