STREET’ doctors for people sleeping rough begin work next month as part of Boris Johnson’s bid to clean up’ London before we stage the Olympics. It is one of a raft of measures the Mayor is bringing in to help those without a roof over their head get proper medical care

By Mike Brooke

STREET’ doctors for people sleeping rough begin work next month as part of a bid to clean up’ London before we stage the Olympics.

It is one of a raft of measures Boris Johnson is bringing in to help those without a roof over their head get proper medical care as well as having access to social services.

The measures are revealed in the first Annual Progress report this week by the London Delivery Board the Mayor set up a year ago to make London’s image sparkle in time for the 2012 Games.

They include an outreach’ service going out looking for entrenched’ rough sleepers who slip the net and the street doctor’ service starting next month to help those still on the streets.

The report claims the board has helped three-quarters of London’s 205 most entrenched’ rough sleepers off the streets.

“These achievements show we can end rough sleeping by 2012,” said Boris. “This is no easy task, but it is encouraging to see the determination of all those involved in this challenge.”

It has come down to just 67 desperate men and women remaining on the streets after nine months of outreach’ work, the report claims. The target is ending rough sleeping altogether by 2012, when London is in the Olympics world spotlight.

But it warns that “in the current economic climate it won’t be easy.”

The board, working with local authorities, health and voluntary organisations, wants to prevent those new to the streets from becoming entrenched’ rough sleepers.