1. HOMELESSNESS

2. Aims of the session To increase GP awareness of the homeless

3. Objectives To learn more about the scale of the problem To understand the types of people that become homeless To be able to describe the health needs of the homeless Understand the relevance of this topic to us as GPs Learn more about local services

4. MRCGP 2002 Who are the homeless? Describe their health needs. What are the difficulties in accessing care. What measures could be taken to improve their health.

5. Who are the homeless? The Overt Have no place of abode of their own Sleep on the streets The Covert (= Hidden Homelessness) Have no place of abode of their own But sleep not on the streets but at various places eg friends,

6. Physical Problems in the Homeless TB, and hepatitis Poor condition of teeth, and feet, skin diseases Respiratory problems Injuries following violence and infections Malnutrition

7. Psychological Problems in the Homeless Serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia Depression Personality disorders Affects of abuse, sexual/physical/mental, victims of torture particularly asylum seekers

8. Social Problems in the Homeless Drug dependency Alcohol dependency Police/probation problems Relationship problems/lack of support or families Unemployment Lack of education Prostitution

9. What are the difficulties of Homeless People in accessing care? Registration problems Unable to receive hospital appointments Move from area to area, no continuity of care No transport Chaotic lifestyle, difficult time keeping

10. Measures to improve health in the Homeless No need for address to register Involve voluntary sector Have a lead person in PCT Train health care professionals eg: increase awareness of needs Specialist service provision