Responding to today’s Conservative Party manifesto, Dee O’Connell, Pathway’s Director of Policy and Programmes, said:
“The Conservative Party manifesto’s pledges to improve mental health support and reform the Mental Health Act are welcome, along with a commitment to end rough sleeping and to build a sustainable social care system. However, it is disappointing to see a manifesto that is almost completely silent on the deep health inequalities facing our country.
People facing homelessness and other people who are socially excluded experience the worst health of anyone in our community, and the worst access to the vital healthcare they need to help them, as we showed in our Homeless and Inclusion Health Barometer earlier this year. We urgently need to a clear plan for reform and action to close the health equality gap, particularly focusing on people at the sharp end of poor access, quality and experience.
Conservative plans to move care out of hospital are sensible, and must include safe places for people facing homelessness to recover from illness, avoiding discharges to the street. We call on all parties to make this a reality for everyone.”
For press enquiries, please contact: jonathan.lucas@pathway.org.uk