Homelessness is a significant challenge for health services, and the numbers of homeless people are increasing nationally. Recent published research estimates that at least 320,000 people are homeless in Britain. This is a year-on-year increase of 13,000, or a 4% rise, suggesting that nationally one in 200 people are homeless. 

Homelessness is associated with poor health outcomes, with dire consequences for individual patients. The average age of death for a homeless woman is 43, and for a man, 45.

Recent investigations have found high numbers of people literally dying on the streets. 

Patients experiencing homelessness and social exclusion can be challenging to treat due to their multiple and complex needs.

Compared with the general population, they are…

On top of this, a person who is homeless is: 

• 34 times more likely to have tuberculosis
• 50 times more likely to have Hepatitis C 
• 12 times more likely to have epilepsy 
• 6 times more likely to have heart disease 
• 5 times more likely to have a stroke 
• 2.5 times more likely to have asthma

Because of the severity of these health issues in the homeless population, there is a significant cost to the NHS.  In 2010, the Department of Health’s own research estimated that the increased use of health services by homeless people cost at least £85 million per year. 

We work with the NHS to help spread and develop our successful model of enhanced care coordination for people who are homeless and other excluded groups. Working closely with our NHS partners, we strive to reach as many people as possible who will benefit from our services.

Find out about our hospital team programme

Commission a homeless health needs assessment

Explore our consultancy offer