A one-year pilot project at Ealing Hospital, aimed at helping homeless people with their health and social care needs in Ealing, has supported over 500 people and is being extended for an additional three years.
With the average life expectancy for a homeless person at almost half that of someone with a permanent home, many people find difficulty to access healthcare services.
The Ealing hospital-based team consists of GPs, nurses, housing support officers and an occupational therapist picks up referrals from A&E and inpatient teams.
Among the conditions treated include COPD, TB, substance abuse and skin conditions. The service also offers support and help on issues including GP registration, benefits, housing and immigration.
London Northwest University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH), which runs Ealing Hospital says the service helps patients by reducing length of stay in hospitals as well as reducing readmissions.
Dr Amisha Babla, co-clinical lead and a founding member of the Homeless Pathway Team at LNWH NHS Trust said: “The cost-of-living crisis has seen an increasing number of people made homeless and forced to sleep rough or live in cramped hostel accommodation. It is a very stressful situation and people’s health suffers.”
Dr Babla added: “The majority of services in the UK function independently of one another so we offer a one stop service providing as much help as we can to the vulnerable.”
