The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 (HRA) places a new statutory duty on Hospital Trusts, NHS walk-in centres and Accident and Emergency departments.
From October 2018, you are required to refer (with consent) any patient who is homeless, or at risk of homelessness in the next 56 days.
Homelessness may include patients residing in hostels or unsuitable accommodation, people in insecure accommodation or people sleeping rough.
Pathway and The Faculty for Homeless and Inclusion Health specialise in the care of homeless and vulnerable patients. The free resources below outline the new duties for staff, to help your hospital meet its obligations under the HRA.
Further Guidance
The Faculty for Homeless and Inclusion Health’s Standards For Commissioners and Service Providers are endorsed by 14 medical royal colleges and health bodies and provide best practice in the care of excluded patients.
Royal College of Physicians guidance advises that hospitals supporting 30 or more homeless patients each year develop specific responses, and those supporting in excess of 200 homeless patients per year consider developing a Pathway homeless hospital team to ensure timely discharge and reduced readmission.
For tailored support to develop links to your local homelessness services or a full intervention please contact Pathway.