Inclusion Service
SPCT Inclusion Service provides care for some of the most vulnerable people in Salford – those experiencing homelessness and complex life challenges. The Inclusion Service is about more than healthcare – it is about giving people a safe place to breathe, to heal, and to rebuild their lives.
Our work is about more than healthcare; it is about trust, compassion, and meeting people where they are, whether that’s on the street, in a day centre, or over a phone call.
Our team was honoured with the Greater Manchester “Team of the Year 2024” Award, a recognition of the difference we are making every day.
Impact in Numbers
The past year:
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We registered 227 new patients and successfully transitioned 259 patients into mainstream GP services – a significant milestone in helping people move towards stability and independence.
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3,537 appointments were delivered, more than ever before.
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Our DNA (Did Not Attend) rate was just 11.8%, well below the national benchmark and a reflection of the trust we have built.
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Every new patient received full screening for mental health, and alcohol and drug use. We ensured that 100% of patients were connected to the right onward support.
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100 flu vaccines were administered at Loaves and Fishes, benefitting both registered and unregistered patients.
Healthy Lungs Project
This year we also continued our vital role in the Healthy Lung Project, enabling patients who might otherwise struggle to access respiratory testing to receive both diagnosis and treatment.
One patient had been living with daily breathlessness, severely restricting her life. Through the project, she received treatment, stopped smoking, and reported a dramatic improvement in her mobility. With her health stabilised, she went on to secure her own tenancy after nearly 20 years of unstable housing – a powerful reminder of how accessible healthcare can transform lives.
Collaboration
Collaboration remains at the heart of the Inclusion Service. Weekly multidisciplinary team meetings bring together housing teams, mental health workers, drug and alcohol services, safeguarding leads, and voluntary sector partners to ensure that no patient falls through the cracks.
Our key partnerships this year included work with Salford Council Rough Sleeping Team, including early morning outreach walkabouts, strengthened links with Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust, and support delivered within local hostels and the Women’s Centre. We also hosted student placements for GP trainees, nurses, and paramedics, equipping the next generation of healthcare professionals with the skills and understanding needed in inclusion health.
Our strengths lie in building trust with people who have experienced trauma, offering accessible and flexible care in safe, non-judgemental spaces, and working with a skilled and passionate team that consistently goes the extra mile. Real collaboration across agencies, outstanding patient satisfaction, and recognition from professional colleagues reinforce the impact of our approach.
Testimonials
Patients have been clear about the value of our service, describing us as “the best doctor’s practice I’ve had in my life,” “supportive and welcoming,” and an “exemplary service.”
Partners echoed this appreciation, describing the service as “vital, responsive, and collaborative” emphasising that our “holistic approach is integral to safeguarding.” These voices highlight the unique role the Inclusion Service plays in providing compassionate care and professional collaboration.
Looking Ahead
We plan to scale up the Inclusion Service model across the region to tackle health inequalities more widely. We will continue to share our expertise through training, education, and patient stories, while also developing tailored programmes, building on successes like the Healthy Lung Project to support other vulnerable groups.
