Up to £44,000 can be spent on primary care treatment for one homeless person per year, a report has revealed.
Published by homelessness charity St Mungo’s and commissioned by the government, the report states more information is needed on how homeless people use primary care.
According to the charity, this could ensure that NHS resources are used to their best effect.
Up to £44,000 can be spent on primary care treatment for one homeless person per year, a report has revealed.
Published by homelessness charity St Mungo’s and commissioned by the government, the report states more information is needed on how homeless people use primary care.
According to the charity, this could ensure that NHS resources are used to their best effect.
The researchers analysed case studies from six UK services providing healthcare to homeless people, to discover the financial impact.
In one case St Mungo’s discovered that almost £8,000 could have been saved through the use of a homeless health service for just one person.
St Mungo’s chief executive Charles Fraser said: “We know that very ill people need very focused, targeted healthcare. We don’t yet know enough, however, about the actual costs involved when it comes to primary care services.
“The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, which is why we need further investigation so people can receive quality healthcare in the most effective way for them and NHS resources.”
