Homeless hospital discharge scheme piloted in London

The Hospital to Home programme, known as H2H, aims to co-ordinate the response of hospital discharge teams with homelessness service providers. If successful it is hoped it will be extended nationally.

The scheme is intended to reduce follow-up problems and hospital attendances. It is estimated that homeless people attend accident and emergency up to six times more than others, and that 70 per cent are discharged back on to the street without their housing or care needs being addressed.

The Department of Health-funded scheme will run at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation Trust, Imperial College Healthcare Trust and South London and Maudsley Foundation Trust until April.

It is being operated by two charities, Broadway Homelessness and Support and Groundswell.

Broadway will employ coordinators based in hospitals to improve communication with other services, such as housing and social support. Groundswell will help and encourage patients attend follow-up appointments after discharge. NHS staff will also be trained to increase understanding of homelessness.

Broadway director of services David Fisher said: “Far too often, we see cases of homeless people being left with no long-term support after discharge to help with their housing or on-going needs.

“Without this system being put in place, we will see more and more homeless people inadequately supported as they leave hospital this winter. This is not only distressing for the individual but also, ultimately, a long-term problem for the NHS and charities like Broadway.”

Groundswell chief executive Athol Halle said: “This project will save lives and save money by giving people proper support at one of the most vulnerable times – being discharged from hospital.”