Luther’s launderette

Who provides medical care to individuals who are poor, without health insurance and fall through the cracks of the medical system? UW/H students work in ‘Luther’s launderette’ to support people on the bottom fringe of society, without home or income. 

“Where does it hurt?” Anna Daugs asks her patient. He opens his mouth and points to the tooth in question. Dr. Hans Ritzenhoff is right behind her and takes a look: “What do you think,” he wants to know, “is it pulpitis?” “I think it is periodontitis,” she says. “You are right, of course” says the experienced dentist who actually is in retirement. “But it is absolutely necessary to follow procedures strictly and exclude all other possibilities even if you are quite sure. Otherwise you might be in for an unpleasant surprise.”

“You are still a student?” the patient wants to know, looking not really apprehensive. He listens attentively while the dentist explains details to the nine-semester student. “Please turn your head to me,” Anna Daugs asks him, holding the syringe, “now this might hurt a bit.”

This is a scene from Luther’s launderette in Hagen. Homeless and destitute people come here for a shower, to wash their clothes, get breakfast and even free medical or dental treatment. UW/H students provide voluntary health care supervised by experienced physicians and dentists. “For our customers, the quarterly surgery fee of 10 € is a lot of money,” says Dr. Ritzenhoff. “These people fall through the cracks of the medical system. Most live on welfare, many are addicts, spent time in prison, or have no residential permit. And many are just ashamed to go to a regular surgery.”

Jonas Tio, medical student in his fifth semester, has much to do next door. “The range of patients here corresponds to that in other family doctor surgeries. The only difference in my experience is that patients here have far more mental health problems.” But it is all in a day’s work: he treats lower back pain, or colds, and takes blood pressure. Patients with complaints he is not permitted to attend as a student are referred to a specialist, or to Monday surgery at the launderette when a physician is available who writes prescriptions. He has examined Lidia (name changed) and given her medicine. She is much taken with the medical care received. “He was so kind and understanding, I have felt well taken care of right from the start. I often changed doctors because I felt they did not take me seriously. Here the doctors are different. He was very caring and immediately knew what’s the matter with me. Really impressive!” Elke is a regular customer with a history of 14 years at Luther’s launderette; she also says the doctors are very kind, have repeatedly helped her and always treated her decently. 

Jonas Tio is happy with so much praise, but he adds: “ I profit as well from the opportunity to treat patients here. I am personally responsible in many respects and rely on my senses and examination techniques. Here you learn to assume responsibility.” This is one of the reasons why he opted for Luther’s launderette instead of a hospital or general surgery. “It is important to me to work with people who face such problems in life, and it is great to be of help.” 

Duty at Luther’s launderette is obligatory for dental students. “I believe this makes sense,” says Anna Daugs. “Many students spend more than the obligatory number of hours here. It is personally fulfilling to contribute to such a worthwhile social project.” Students are challenged to cope with limited equipment and the specific context. “Many clients are just not willing to return six times until their new dentures are ready. So you have to compromise and find ways to be ultimately successful with what you can offer in the form of treatment.”