St Mungo’s convenes expert panel to discuss new policies for treating homeless people
10 September 2008
An influential panel of policy makers and practitioners are today meeting to discuss recent St Mungo's research showing that a third of homeless people are receiving no treatment for chronic illness.
The panel, which includes senior civil servants, government advisers, health practitioners and homelessness professionals will discuss ways to take forward the recommendations in the St Mungo's 'Health Strategy for Homeless people 2008-2011'.
They will look closely at the barriers homeless people face in accessing healthcare, how commissioning can better meet the needs of rough sleepers, and the services that homelessness hostels can provide directly.
St Mungo's Director of Programmes, Peter Cockersell said:
"The fact that a third of homeless people with chronic conditions are receiving no treatment at all is a damning indictment of the current system, and shows just how urgent the need for change is.
Homeless people need to be recognised as a priority group within the NHS, with specialised services provided. This will only happen with the support of those making health policy, commissioning services, and delivering care on the frontline. People from all of these groups will be joining our panel today, showing just how widely the problem is acknowledged.
This acknowledgement now needs to turn into action. We hope that today's discussion will be the start of a process that helps makes sure homeless people get the healthcare they need."
The panel will be discussing a range of measures health service commissioners should take to improve care for homeless people. These include:
- Dedicated 'case managers' for homeless people, to guide them through healthcare services and departments
- GPs and nurses to proactively visit homeless hostels to assess healthcare needs and direct homeless people to appropriate services
- Health service commissioners to work together with homelessness organisations like St Mungo's in establishing homelessness hostels tailored to meet healthcare needs, and hostel staff trained to offer long term health care and support
ENDS
For more information, including further case studies and interview requests, contact:
Lucy Whitford
lucy.whitford@mungos.org
St Mungo's Press Office
020 8762 5645
Notes for Editors:
St Mungo's is London's largest charity for homeless people. We work 365 days a year to provide emergency help, and run over 100 projects and services that house and support homeless people's recovery and prevent rough sleeping. Every year we help thousands of people to make permanent life changes.
St Mungo's has this week published the report 'Homelessness: it makes you sick' written by Helen Bilton, MA, MSc, independent information professional. The report was accompanied by 'St Mungo's Health Strategy for Homeless People 2008 - 2011'.
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