Homeless Link responds to Crisis report

 In response to today’s Homelessness: a silent killer report from Crisis Jacqui McCluskey, a Director at Homeless Link, says:

“Today’s report from Crisis highlights the significant health needs of homeless people. We already know that eight in ten homeless people have one or more physical health need and for over half, this represents a chronic health problem.
 
“Yet despite the poor health conditions of homeless people, their needs are often overlooked in health commissioning and too many experience barriers to receiving appropriate health care. This not only results in worsening health for individuals, but can also produce higher long-term costs to the NHS and our communities. 

“The experience of our members and the individuals they work with tells us that more flexible, personalised health services that take a multi-agency approach to addressing needs can make the difference. We have developed guidance to support local authorities and health bodies to achieve this. 

“We are also working with the Department of Health to ensure the upcoming health reforms recognise the needs of homeless people, and hold services to account for improving their health. This work is vital to ensure we bridge the ‘30 year gap’ in health inequalities for the most vulnerable.”
 
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