This week we have done a “team exchange”. This means that I, who am usually inactive in street work, have joined the “housing” team. It enriches one’s experience, opens new perspectives, allows you to see how patients develop - and gives an opportunity to get to know other colleagues.

@Infirmiersderue_Straatverplegers

Monday afternoon we paid a visit to Mr. H.* Having known him living on the street for such a long time, it gave me much pleasure to see how well he had established 

himself in his lodging. He was very happy with our visit during which we could discuss the huge progress made since our last meeting. That was during his first visit 

in what has now become “home” for him.

Of course, some things go better than others. Which is where our follow-up takes its full meaning. Because the reality is one of ups and downs, which he, with all his 

desires and fears, must be able to master.

Concretely, we managed this time to agree on some important decisions with Mr H. He was determined to stop his treatment, which he felt to be oppressing. 

Thanks to our discussion we could formulate together a new objective, allowing him to continue his medical follow-up correctly. Moreover, we have our eyes on a nice 

psychiatrist with whom he may be able to establish a good contact.

He has given us his trust and let us know as much. 

We continue to make progress - and remain committed !

(*) We make every effort to respect the privacy of our patients and our professional secrecy. Nevertheless, we want to bear witness to how they have to survive and how we work together to reintegrate them. Therefore, the names of places and people are deliberately omitted or changed and real-life situations are placed in another context. There is no direct link between the photos and the stories above.

 

© P_Zangl & © photos P-Y Jortay - Infirmiers de rue 2020