Lack of access to GPs blamed for raising the risk of disease among homeless people. The needs of homeless people are being ignored by the health service, putting them at greater risk of diseases such as tuberculosis and costing the government a fortune, leading charities have claimed. Inside Housing has learned that homelessness charities are becoming increasingly concerned that homeless people are not considered a priority by the health service. They fear that this could be helping diseases such as TB to spread among rough sleepers and the wider population. Although the health service views vulnerable groups, such as those with mental health needs or elderly people, a priority, the needs of homeless people are overlooked comparatively. Jenny Edwards, chief executive of Homeless Link - which represents more than 400 homelessness organisations - said one of the biggest issues was difficulty accessing GPs. ‘Accident and emergency services are being used an awful lot, mainly because of a lack of access to GPs,’ she said. ‘Our day care centres tell us that around 30 per cent [of users] don’t have access to a GP.’ Ms Edwards said it was vital that primary care trusts did far more to address the needs of rough sleepers.

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8 May 2008
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