Southern Derbyshire CCG’s scheme to free up hospital beds by supporting homeless people has proved successful after one year, saving nearly £200,000 and reducing hospital admissions.
The NHS has identified that, due to their lifestyle, homeless people are more frequently admitted into hospital and for longer stays, as they have no safe or secure environment to recover in.
Southern Derbyshire CCG’s scheme to free up hospital beds by supporting homeless people has proved successful after one year, saving nearly £200,000 and reducing hospital admissions.
The NHS has identified that, due to their lifestyle, homeless people are more frequently admitted into hospital and for longer stays, as they have no safe or secure environment to recover in.
So far, the Derventio Housing project called Healthy Futures has seen 23 patients supported to find a suitable home. A hospital liaison professional works with the patients and local authorities to secure suitable accommodation for each individual to be discharged to, then a community worker provides 12 weeks of intensive support and advocacy to build a network of support around the patient.
Jackie Carlile, commissioning manager at Southern Derbyshire CCG, said: “The demand for beds continues to be an issue for our hospitals and with A&E still under huge pressure we have to look at how we can alleviate that pressure. By working with Derventio Housing we have been able to support people who need a sustainable package of community care to be safely discharged from hospital.”
The CCG invested £130,000 into the Derventio Housing project called Healthy Futures, which covers Derby City, South Derbyshire, Amber Valley and South Derbyshire Dales.
One patient, Cornelius Buckley, 47, (pictured) became homeless after serving in the British Army for 24 years and turned to alcohol due to the stress of army life. After giving up alcohol in July last year, Cornelius was admitted into Royal Derby hospital in November.
Talking about his experience, Buckley said: “It was so uplifting when they (Derventio Housing Trust) came to visit me in hospital. I am better, fitter and healthier now and living off £5 a day, making sure I eat fruit and vegetables. I just feel strongly that there should be more help for people like me who come out of the forces.”
