The Present State
During 2023/24, the Homeless Health Service (HHS) has continued to deliver comprehensive healthcare tailored for the homeless population in our community. Awarded the contract in 2016, our service has been committed to addressing the unique health needs of homeless individuals above the age of 18 years, including a dedicated “Wet Clinic” for alcohol-dependent rough sleepers and the “Smart Service” for complex substance misusers, in partnership with Bristol City Council.
Furthermore, we’ve been supporting “One25”, a charity for sex workers, by providing a weekly GP session, showcasing our commitment to a broad spectrum of vulnerable groups.
Development and Achievements
Our team’s enthusiasm has been pivotal to our progress. In 2017, we achieved an “Outstanding” rating from the CQC, a testament to our excellence. Our integration within health and social care networks, notably the ROADS network, has been instrumental in optimising pathways for the benefit of our patients.
We’ve maximised non-recurring funds to enhance our services, evolving into a One Stop Shop for healthcare, offering extensive services in one location.
A Visit from the Medical Director of NHS England
We were thrilled to be contacted by Sir Stephen Powis, the Medical Director of NHS England who was keen to visit our Homeless Health Service and see the amazing work the team are doing in the community. Feedback from Sir Stephen and his team was overwhelmingly positive, noting the teams commitment and the respect they show for patients and colleagues alike.
Added Value and Innovations
Our relentless pursuit to add value saw the creation of a new Hepatitis C pathway, a significant upscaling of Opiate Substitute Therapy (OST) during the pandemic, and the distribution of approximately 600 phones to improve patient engagement.
The Buvidal project and the Out of Hospital Care Model (OOHCM) exemplify our innovative approaches to healthcare delivery, which have substantially reduced hospital admissions and improved post-discharge care.
The Team and Collaboration
Our core team, comprising of dedicated GPs, nurses, health link workers, substance misuse specialists, practice manager, and administrative staff, is our backbone. Additionally, non-core team members, including specialists and volunteers, have significantly contributed to our service’s depth and quality.
Distinctive Service Features
HHS is distinctive for its Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE), trauma-informed consultations, and services developed around our patients. Our drop-in clinics, multidisciplinary approach, and focus on patient safety foster trust and relationship building, which are crucial for our patients’ recovery and well-being.
Data Accessibility and Networking
Access to comprehensive patient data underpins our service delivery, enabling us to provide the best possible care. Our active engagement in local and wider networks, including national conferences and collaborations, continues to inspire and inform our service improvements.
Challenges and Patient Demographics
We serve a diverse patient demographic, with the majority being male and aged between 30 to 60 years. The challenges faced by our patients are complex and often compounded by mental health and substance misuse issues.
Service Development and Future Plans
Looking ahead, our development plans are ambitious. They include establishing new pathways for cervical screening and other cancer screenings, enhancing vision care, and expanding dual diagnosis services, among others.
Support and Collaboration Needs
Our aspiration is to foster a constructive partnership with the ICE locality. We seek a deeper understanding of the ICB’s KPIs for HHS, recognition of homeless people as an excluded group, and involvement in health inequalities strategies and programmes.
Conclusion
The Homeless Health Service’s past year has been one of sustained commitment and innovative service provision. As we reflect on our progress and plan for the future, we remain dedicated to improving the lives of the homeless in our community, with continued focus on service excellence and patient-centred care.