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A detailed report has been published by Healthwatch Hull outlining the findings and recommendations from an engagement initiative carried out with rough sleepers and those experiencing homelessness in Hull.
The aim was to better understand their experiences of accessing ambulance services, identify any concerns and help to drive improvements across health and social care partners.
Commissioned by Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust and funded by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charity, the six-month project saw Healthwatch Hull talking to rough sleepers and those experiencing homelessness across the city to gain a clear picture of any access issues they had when using services, including the 999 emergency service, NHS 111 urgent care service and the non-emergency Patient Transport Service.
“Working closely with our communities is the best way of understanding how we can improve our services for the people who use them.
“The level and depth of this engagement with the rough sleeper community in Hull has provided both us and our partners with valuable information and insight which we will use to shape real improvements for their care when they need to access our urgent and emergency services.”
Lewis Etoria, Senior Community Engagement Manager, Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
The report reflects positive experiences of the various services and their staff, and also areas where issues were highlighted and recommendations made. The recommendations provided are wide-ranging and merit further work to identify how the ambulance service and health and social care partners can respond meaningfully, in a way that will make a difference for patients.
The report contents and recommendations will not only be relevant to Hull, but across the wider health and care system in the region and nationally.
Carrie Duran of Healthwatch Hull said: “The project has highlighted some incredible work by the ambulance service and stakeholders in ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness are treated with dignity and kindness and receive the necessary support. However, the report also sheds light on shortcomings within the wider health and care system, particularly how rigid service models and a lack of understanding of trauma negatively impact these individuals.
“Whilst the report focuses on the specific barriers faced by those experiencing homelessness, it also serves as a valuable opportunity for services and commissioners within the ICS to re-evaluate how they deliver services, to better meet the needs of inclusion health groups and other vulnerable populations. The report also demonstrates the value of collaboration, patience, and the development of trusted relationships. The breadth and depth of our engagement work proves that even groups considered hard to reach are not beyond the reach of dedicated and coordinated efforts.”
To read the report in full, click here.
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