Voices of the Street
Download (PDF 1.66 MB)Summary of report content
Kingston Upon Hull faces significant challenges concerning homelessness, with around 20 rough sleepers and approximately 200 individuals living in hostels or night shelters. The city ranks 6th highest in England for multiple unmet needs, with a range of complex issues affecting the health and wellbeing of its homeless population. The homeless population in Hull faces disproportionately low life expectancies, with significant mortality rates attributed to drug poisoning, liver disease, and suicide. Ambulance services bear a high burden in attending to the health needs of this community, with mental health issues, substance misuse, and intoxication being the main reasons for callouts. Over a period of 24 weeks, Healthwatch Hull adopted a comprehensive approach to engage with people experiencing homelessness, Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff and wider stakeholders. They spoke to 78 people via individual interviews, focus groups, surveys, and participation in outreach sessions.
Feedback from people experiencing homelessness was largely positive; staff provide compassionate and dignified care and treatment. However, amongst this population there remains a fear of health service interaction, which creates barriers to accessing the most appropriate treatment.
Stakeholders, who work with people experiencing homelessness highlighted generally positive interactions with the ambulance service but also identified systemic barriers and gaps. Ambulance crews lack clear pathways for nonclinical cases involving the homeless population, leading to inconsistent approaches. Mental health support, stigma, and access barriers were significant concerns that stakeholders felt affected homeless people
. Healthwatch Hull proposes several recommendations to address these challenges, including investing in specialist liaison roles, enhancing technology for signposting advice, and improving staff training on issues related to homelessness and trauma. Enhanced communication mechanisms and better collaboration among services are also recommended. The recommendations aim to reduce pressure on emergency services, reduce hospital admissions, and improve the overall well-being of both people experiencing homelessness and Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff.
Healthwatch Hull's engagement activity over a period of 24 weeks has highlighted the importance of a coordinated, compassionate approach by all services to people experiencing homelessness. By implementing recommendations, it is hoped that those experiencing homelessness will receive equitable access to ambulance service.