HOMELESSNESSHOMELESSNESS

Aims of the sessionAims of the session

To increase GP awareness of the homeless

ObjectivesObjectives

To learn more about the scale of the problem To understand the types of people that become

homeless To be able to describe the health needs of the

homeless Understand the relevance of this topic to us as GPs Learn more about local services

MRCGP 2002MRCGP 2002

Who are the homeless?Describe their health needs.What are the difficulties in accessing care.What measures could be taken to improve

their health.

Who are the homeless?Who are the homeless?

The Overt

Have no place of abode of their own

Sleep on the streets

The Covert (= “Hidden Homelessness”)

Have no place of abode of their own

But sleep not on the streets but at various places eg friends,

Physical Problems in the Physical Problems in the HomelessHomeless

TB, and hepatitis Poor condition of teeth, and feet, skin

diseasesRespiratory problems Injuries following violence and infectionsMalnutrition

Psychological Problems in the Psychological Problems in the HomelessHomeless

Serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia

DepressionPersonality disordersAffects of abuse, sexual/physical/mental,

victims of torture particularly asylum seekers

Social Problems in the Social Problems in the HomelessHomeless

Drug dependency Alcohol dependency Police/probation problems Relationship problems/lack of support or families Unemployment Lack of education Prostitution

What are the difficulties of Homeless What are the difficulties of Homeless People in accessing care?People in accessing care?

Registration problemsUnable to receive hospital appointmentsMove from area to area, no continuity of

careNo transportChaotic lifestyle, difficult time keeping

Measures to improve health in Measures to improve health in the Homelessthe Homeless

No need for address to registerInvolve voluntary sectorHave a lead person in PCTTrain health care professionals eg: increase

awareness of needsSpecialist service provision