Conversations with people who have experienced homelessness in Sandwell
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Healthwatch Sandwell were commissioned by CQC to undertake a portrait of a seldom heard community to understand which health and care services they used, their experience of doing so and what changes they’d like to see. Healthwatch Sandwell engaged with homeless people. They spoke to 136 people via surveys.
Most people hadn’t heard of CQC and didn’t know what their role was. They had used a range of services:
- GPs
- Dentists
- Social services
- Anger management classes
- NHS 111
- Hospitals
- Social services
- Care homes
Their main challenge in accessing GPs was lack of necessary proof of ID and address to register. Many GP staff were not aware of homeless people’s rights to register with a local GP. Homeless people also felt that they weren’t treated with respect and understanding.
Many had poor mental health. They were concerned about long waiting times and judgmental attitudes by staff. Many used urgent or emergency care due to lack of access to GPs. Homeless people preferred services to contact them by text eg for appointment reminders.
Homeless people wanted:
- Staff to be respectful and kindly,
- Consistency with the same doctors
- Have more options in health and care
Good communication between patients and professionals