Fulham FC's Team Doctor Tending to the Homeless
Justin Yeoh working in hotels where vulnerable people are staying during pandemic
Dr Justin Yeoh in his more familiar role.
Fulham FC’s team doctor usually treats the championship club’s players including top goal-scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic but during the coronavirus pandemic he is caring for vulnerable homeless people .
Dr Justin Yeoh is swapping the club’s Craven Cottage ground whilst matches are suspended for hotels where Hammersmith and Fulham council is housing homeless people during lockdown.
He said the voluntary work he’s doing to help vulnerable homeless people is “very rewarding”.
During lockdown Fulham FC and the Fulham FC Foundation has also been working with many groups in the community.
Dr Yeoh said they “have been keeping in touch with supporters and people from our neighbourhood”.
Dr Justin Yeoh. Picture: Fulham FC
Many of the homeless people he will be caring for could have complex health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, addiction and mental health problems, and have a higher rate of respiratory issues which could put them more at risk of the virus.
During the coronavirus pandemic Hammersmith and Fulham council is teaming up with St Mungo’s and Turning Point to help tackle a range of issues including drug and alcohol use, mental health issues and domestic abuse whilst people are in the hotels, as well as feeding them and providing medicines.
They are also using the time to help find long-term solutions to people’s housing needs – which may be complex.
Dr Yeoh said, “Whilst football is currently suspended, I’m glad to have been invited to offer my services to Turning Point and work closely with them, St Mungo’s and the local authority to support the tremendous work being carried out with the homeless in the borough.”
Dr Mohammed Al-Saidi, consultant addictions psychiatrist at Turning Point said, “Dr Yeoh’s support on our clinical team is a great opportunity to reach some of the most vulnerable people in society and treat their addiction. This is a crucial step for many to get off the streets for good.”
Dr Yeoh is a specialist in sports and exercise medicine and was part of the team treating Olympians at the aquatics and diving centre during London 2012.
He also helped the GB wheelchair tennis team and worked at the Athletes’ Village Medical Centre and track-side at the main stadium during the 2012 Paralympics.
He’s also worked with people with complex injuries at the national Defence Military Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court in Surrey.
He urged other healthcare professionals to contact daws@turning-point.co.uk if they can help.
And he urged people: “Do remember to follow the guidelines on social distancing – ‘stay home and save lives!’”
Julia Gregory - Local Democracy Reporter
May 1, 2020