Nursing partnership is meaningful to Regina’s vulnerable population
Nursing students from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Regina campus partner with the Phoenix Residential Society to provide readily available first aid supplies and multivitamins to people who have been chronically homeless.
These necessary supplies enable the centre’s staff to provide enhanced care and resources to clients to reduce the need for, inpatient health care services, such as an emergency centre.
‘Although first aid supplies and multivitamins may seem minimal to some, our clients are extremely appreciative to be able to access these resources; they have faced many hardships, trauma and addictions that they are recovering from and this is one less thing they need to worry about,’ says Sheila Wignes-Paton, Executive Director.
The House & Other (Case) Management & Engagement Services (HOMES) is a program through the Phoenix Residential Society that provides housing for people who have been chronically homeless. ‘Having a home helps the healing process,’ says Wignes-Paton.
‘The majority of our clients experience high rates of physical limitations and chronic disease. They are vulnerable. Many suffer from head trauma, substance use, dehydration, assault wounds, lacerations and fractures. Their physical health is one crucial aspect in their recovery journey and helps them to maintain stable housing’ says Erin Frank, Case Manager, Phoenix HOMES.
It is important for clients to connect with health care professionals who they trust and who are empathetic and understanding of the traumas they have experienced. USask Nursing students Ashley Dick and Jill McInnis have proven to be just those people. In advocating for the necessary first aid supplies, they have helped ensure that HOMES’ clients will receive proper care and in turn, this will increase their quality of life, physical health, and enhance their ability to overcome hardship.
‘It was a privilege to work with HOMES’ clients and to see some of the immense challenges they face every day. Their resilience is inspirational,’ says Dick. ‘While we’ve been with the centre during our clinical program, we’ve been able to care for many of the client’s physical wounds from open sores, to post-operative surgical wounds, and other acute injuries related to the reality of the hardships of their daily lives. We also tend to their emotional needs and provide client-centered care. It’s about inspiring hope with clients as they continue in their journey to recovery,’ says McInnis.
If you would like to support the HOMES project or any other initiative by the Phoenix Residential Society, please connect with Sheila Winges-Paton, Executive Director through the centre’s central line at (306) 569-1977.