05.09.13
Homelessness discharge support to receive £10m
52 voluntary projects have each been awarded a share of £10m to improve care for homeless people once discharged from hospital, public health minister Anna Soubry has announced.
Homeless people are six times more likely to attend A&E than the general population, with 70% discharged without their housing or ongoing health needs being properly addressed. The organisations will work to improve care and support after homeless people leave hospital, with projects focusing on specialist training for hospital staff, accommodation that takes care needs into accounts and extra care beds.
Public health minister Anna Soubry said: “In today’s society, it is not acceptable that people are leaving hospital with no plans in place to address their ongoing care needs.
“The £10m we have awarded to these 52 projects will help stamp out the bad practice we know exists in some trusts when homeless people are discharged from hospital and ensure they have the support and care they need.”
Housing minister Mark Prisk said: “This Government is working hard to make every contact count, ensuring that homeless people have access to the help and support they need wherever they are – from the housing office to the hospital bed.
“Today’s funding, backed by a further £470m Government investment in homelessness prevention, will reach people in need when they’re at their most vulnerable, getting them back on their feet more quickly, and saving local services the ongoing bills for repeat treatment.”
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