28.05.12
Homeless patients ‘appear to receive worse treatment’ on NHS
Hospitals on the NHS must to do more to help homeless patients, a new report urges. The Government commissioned Homeless Link and St Mungo’s to investigate the issue, and they found that homeless patients may receive poorer care despite their higher health needs.
The report concludes that a more intensive approach could cut the costs of repeated admissions, with staff identifying homeless patients quickly and involving housing teams or hospitals in their care.
Homeless people are thought to cost at least five times as much as other patients to treat, due to multiple health problems and repeated admissions. These patients often have illnesses connected with drug abuse and mental health issues.
Matt Harrison, who runs Homeless Link, said: “We asked 57 homeless people about their experiences in hospital. Their stories ranged from people being turned away by security guards at A&E, to others who were discharged onto the streets, sometimes without even shoes to wear.
“Sometimes they don't want to discuss their situation because of the level of prejudice they can face from nurses and other hospital staff.
“Homeless people have higher health needs – but they appear to receive worse treatment. We don't need a specialist service in every hospital – so long as they have the right plans and policies in place to help homeless people in their community.”
The NHS Confederation’s deputy chief executive, David Stout, said: “The NHS needs to up its game in providing more responsive care and support for homeless people.
“This issue is likely to become even more urgent as the economic outlook remains bleak and people struggle with financial pressures.
“But this is a problem the NHS cannot solve on its own. Homeless people have some of the most complex physical and mental health problems that many professionals will ever encounter.”
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