Local doctor made OBE in New Year's Honours

Campaigner for health equalities, local GP and Oldham Councillor Dr Zahid Chauhan, is to receive the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in Her Majesty's New Year's Honours 2020.

Whilst his role educating, advocating for and healing patients caught the eye, it is Dr Chauhan's work with those of no fixed address plus his establishment of the Homeless-Friendly charity that he has been saluted for.

Now boasting partners across the region, the scheme has given high quality healthcare to rough sleepers – saving the NHS thousands in emergency department resources and saving the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

Since it was founded by the Royton and Failsworth GP and supplied the first participating hospice in Dr Kershaw's and premiere football team in Oldham Athletic, this is a major accolade for Oldham as well as its Good Doctor. 

“From flu clinics with the Salvation Army in Roundthorn to scarf and hat giveaways with Oldham Athletic and the Oldham Street Angels, our borough has become a hub of help for the homeless” said Dr Chauhan.

“But, as with other areas across Britain, especially away from city centres where there is less provision for the homeless, this was not always the way.

"Prior to our programme homeless people were previously being refused health treatment in surgeries across the country and with a life expectancy of just 47-years-of-age this most vulnerable group in society was receiving the worst healthcare.”

Seeing a homeless man pulling out his own teeth with a pair of pliers convinced Dr Chauhan to use his profile a respected medic to persuade practices to pledge to examine their procedures and make sure they catered fully for homeless people. The results since the programme launched in 2017, have been nothing short of astounding. 

Continued Dr Chauhan: “It speaks volumes for the compassion in our healthcare service that we now have hospitals, hospices and surgeries who have made Homeless-Friendly vows.

"Add to that the businesses, charities, local authorities and even sports clubs who have joined the team. Some have staged food banks on their premises and become hubs of help for the homeless, signposting rough sleepers to places where they can find work, accommodation and aid with tackling addiction.

Dr Chauhan is a councillor for the Alexandra Ward and, as Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care with Oldham Council.

Other Oldham outlets involved in Homeless-Friendly include Action Together Oldham and the Hilltop Surgery in Fitton Hill. 

Concluded Dr Chauhan: “I think when you receive an award of this magnitude, you are always indebted to those who have backed you – and never more than in this case.

"My supportive family, colleagues within health and social care and the community have been so encouraging. And my small Homeless-Friendly team has made a huge impact and enacted a cultural shift towards rough sleepers and yes, saved lives.

"It is to all of these people that I dedicate this honour. It is truly theirs as much as mine.

"But, like me, they recognise that our society shouldn't need a programme like Homeless-Friendly. In a rich economy like ours' nobody should be living on the streets and facing starvation and hypothermia.

"The Government must do more, large businesses have to show greater moral leadership and we as individuals, have to do all that we can to make sure nobody suffers the pain and the shame of homelessness.”

To work with the Homeless-Friendly charity, go to:http://www.homelessfriendly.co.uk/

 

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