University students refine their skills at Homeless Connect

Western Sydney University students refined their clinical skills by providing free health checks at Western Sydney Homeless Connect.

11 third year students from the School of Nursing and Midwifery and School of Medicine volunteered their time offer basic health services such as blood pressure checks and blood sugar levels to the homeless.

The Director of Engagement at the School of Nursing and Midwifery Dr Stacy Blythe says this is the first year the University has provided free health checks and has been directly involved with Homeless Connect.

"I was here as a volunteer at Homeless Connect at Parramatta last year alongside other medical and nursing students donating their time as well," says Dr Blythe.

"This year we decided we could pool our resources and do more as a University, and I'm really pleased with how successful the project has been."

"In the first 45 minutes of the project we administered around 45 health checks to members of the community."

Also stopping by the Western Sydney University healthcare stall was State Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister for Social Housing Brad Hazzard, who was given a health check by one of the University's nursing students.

Volunteer Gemma Watson, a third year Bachelor of Nursing student, says the day was a fantastic opportunity to put into practice the skills she's learned in her degree.

"I've already completed the clinical component of my degree, but today was a great opportunity to further build on my skills as well help out the community," says Watson.

"My degree has thoroughly prepared me for life after university and today was another chance to use my skills at such a fantastic community event."

Ends

12 August 2016

Elliott Richardson - Media Assistant