Russell Seymour (right) has had several health scares

Some die young because they do not receive regular care.

But now medical staff are being provided by Central Cornwall Primary Care Trust, specifically to help the homeless.

Central government has provided enough money for three years to fund two GPs and a nurse practitioner who will operate from Truro and Camborne.

Living rough on the streets brings with it all kinds of health problems. Often people are addicted to drugs and have low immunity to disease.

I'm only 34 but I'm a wreck Russell Seymour

Russell Seymour has spent much of his life on the streets. Aged just 34, he has had several major health problems and is glad to able to make use of the new services.

He said: "I've had a collapsed lung, I forever have colds and I've had thrombosis in both arms and both legs.

"The last time I was hospital they were having to put medication into my feet or groin because I've no circulation left.

"I'm only 34 but I'm a wreck."

Persuading the homeless to seek help in the first place is half the battle in improving their chances of a longer and healthier life.

Nurse Practitioner Norma House said: "Many of these individuals feel they have been rejected by society and often feel that health centres will reject them as well.

"But we won't reject people. We will open the doors and we will help take things forward for them."

A similar scheme in Exeter has already had good results.