General Practitioners: Homelessness

(asked on 7th September 2016) - View Source

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what measures are in place to monitor the ability of homeless people to access GP services.


This question was answered on 15th September 2016

NHS England has published guidance for general practitioners reminding them of their responsibilities towards homeless people and, in particular, reminding them that documentary evidence of identity or an address is not a requirement of registration (Patient registration – standard operating principles for primary medical care (general practice) (2015).

Promoting better access to health care services for homeless and other vulnerable people is part of our commitment to tackle health inequalities and improve the health of the poorest fastest, including through the Department’s inclusion health programme.

This programme published jointly with the Royal College of General Practitioners an evidence-based commissioning guide for clinical commissioning groups and health and wellbeing boards Improving access to health care for Gypsies and Travellers, homeless people and sex workers (2013). This guide also reminded commissioners of the importance of patient monitoring as part of the aim of providing equality throughout the health system.

The Department’s Office of the Chief Analyst report found that accident and emergency attendances amongst single homeless people are five times greater than the general public and 3.2 times more likely to result in hospital admissions (Healthcare for Single Homeless People, 2010).

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