Accessing health and care services in Gloucestershire, from marginalized and vulnerable people

Between December 2015 and June 2016, Healthwatch gathered the views and experiences of marginalised and vulnerable people across Gloucestershire.

This review was in response to the relocation of the Homeless Healthcare Team and closure of the Vaughan Day Care Centre.

Staff visited drop-in services and received feedback from 25 service users; volunteers and members of staff. They also invited feedback from other front-line staff working with marginalised and vulnerable people. This provided an insight into what people had valued about the day centre and their experiences of health and social care since its closure.

Findings were discussed with the organisations responsible for providing health, social care and housing for vulnerable people. This helped to put the feedback into context and learn about their initiatives.

The day centres were valued by visitors and helped to address issues such as social isolation and access to healthcare.

Drop-in staff and volunteers needed more information and advice. There needed to be improved communication between agencies to help provide more timely and appropriate support to people.

Recommendations include: identifying pathways for mental health support, improved communication between agencies, a review of the support needed for people with a high level of need, a minimum standard of housing for vulnerable people, adequate emergency housing and a wider review of the needs of marginalised and vulnerable people across Gloucestershire. Commissioners and service provider’s formal responses are included.