I spoke too soon. Something is happening to ensure that there is better links between local hospitals and homelessness organisations.
Following on from my post a couple of days ago about homeless people and hospital discharges, I have been made aware of Penny Johnson who is the newly appointed Homeless Persons Nurse Practitioner based in the Royal Sussex County Hospital. She is employed by the London Pathway project which has very successfully improved outcomes for homeless men and women.
She is keen to find out how the NHS and organisations like BHT can work together to ensure see what measures are put in place to ensure smoother transition from primary-secondary-primary care. She will also be running a research project looking at standard and enhanced models of care. She and Chris Sargeant (a GP specialising in Homeless Persons Care/addictions) will be holding weekly meetings for all interested parties to attend to discuss perspectives and involvement , although dates or times have yet to be agreed.
