ACUTE HOMELESS LIAISON SERVICE

Figure 1

Outcomes

• Create awareness of the issues relating to health and homelessness

• Gain knowledge of current legislation • Overview of Acute Homeless Liaison Service

• The patients journey

• Discharge Protocols

Homeless Presentations

Scotland55,000

Glasgow10,500

Beds Provided4,000

Defining Homelessness “Roofless”, in secure accommodation or involuntary

sharing accommodation” Scottish Executive, 2001

o Sleeping rougho Hostelo B&Bo Friend’s sofao Supported accomo Drug/ Alcohol rehabo Temporary furnished flato Family’s floor

70% of those ages 24 - 34 have a drug dependence 54% have hazardous drinking 58% had a long standing physical health problem 6% probable psychosis 46% neurotic disorder 80% registered with GP while only 65% of those use

their GP

Commissioned by GGHB June 2000

ONS SURVEY Health Needs Assessment of Homeless People

Mahatma Ghandhi

“The measure of a country’s greatness should be based on how well it cares for its most vulnerable populations”

Legislation in context

Health & Homeless Guidance (2001)

Partnership for Care (2003)

Our National Health (2000)

THE TEAM

Diane Cassidy – H Grade - G Grade to be appointedBased in I.R.I.S. Department (GRI)

Covering the following sites:Glasgow Royal InfirmaryWestern InfirmaryStobhill GeneralLightburnGartnavel GeneralSouthern GeneralVictoria Infirmary

Liz Leggat – Administrative Assistant North Division – Based in I.R.I.S. Department (GRI)

Rationale for the Acute Homeless Liaison Service

“Improve access and care pathways into and out of hospital for Homeless people”

Acute Homeless Liaison ServiceGreater Glasgow NHS

Aims & Objectives• Develop additional protocols regarding the attendance,

admission and discharge arrangements for Homeless people across GGHB area.

• Raise awareness with staff of the issues relating to homelessness

• Redesign patient journey• Develop information and resources• Partnership with stakeholders• To ensure equity of service

Attendances & Admissions

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Drug and Alcohol Presentations (from recorded admissions)

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DECEMBER FEBRUARY APRIL

Drug and Alcohol related presentations

December 04 - May 05DRUG RELATED

December 04 - May 05ALCOHOL RELATED

The homeless patient’s journey through the health care system

Injury/ill health Avoidance/delay of dealing with problem

Deteriorating health Admission to hospital

Recovery Discharge

The homeless patient’s journey through the health care system

Turning point: place for contemplation

Injury/ill health Avoidance/delay of dealing with problem

Deteriorating health Admission to hospital

Recovery Discharge

Acute Homeless Liaison Nurse – assessment of need

With continuity of care

Referrals to other agencies

Patients referred on to Homeless Services From 1st June 04 - 28 May 05

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Addiction Services CPN Physical Health Team Homeless HealthServices

Social Work Services Voluntary Sector Other

DISCHARGE PROTOCOLS

• Draft protocols in place with the following local authorities:

• South Lanarkshire Council• West Dunbartonshire Council

In discussion with the following:• Renfrewshire Council• North Lanarkshire Council• Glasgow City Council

Partnership working

Acute Homeless Liaison Service

Homeless Health Services Acute Services

Voluntary sector

Community Health Services

Social Work Services

• Homelessness can be caused by ill health.

• Homelessness causes ill health.

• Homelessness exacerbates ill health.

• The long-term effects of homelessness include ill health.

Remember this…

Figure 1