An NHS initiative helping homeless people to access a GP is expanding across London.
In the coming months, NHS London will give out 20,000 “My Right to Healthcare” cards, produced with charity Groundswell, which detail how homeless people are entitled to healthcare even without ID, proof of address or confirmed immigration status.
Cards can also be handed to an NHS staff member if a person struggles to communicate.
The successful scheme, trialled in London since 2017, is to be rolled out nationally later in 2020.
Around a third of all deaths of homeless people caused by easily treatable health conditions, according to the NHS. Seeing a GP early enough can prevent some illnesses from deteriorating and allows healthcare professionals to refer patients to other NHS services.
Nearly 150 people are known to have died sleeping rough on the streets of London last year. Many lay dead for hours before they were found.
Sir David Sloman, Regional Director for London’s NHS, said: “We know that 7 out of 10 homeless people experience a physical health problem and 80 per cent experience mental health problems. The cold weather can also cause serious complications for those who are already unwell.
“No one’s health should suffer because of who they are or where they live and everyone should have equal access to healthcare. Initiatives like this will help us on the path to making London the healthiest city in the world.”
