Healthwatch Dorset
Project case study
Accessing health and care while homeless or vulnerably housed
To understand the health disparities for people experiencing homelessness, Healthwatch Dorset visited support services in Bournemouth, engaging with people who are currently experiencing homelessness or living in vulnerable housing, as well as health professionals and support workers.
They conducted a ten-week project from January to March 2024, having conversations with 26 people experiencing homelessness and seven frontline health and support staff. They found several significant barriers preventing people from accessing the care they desperately need:
- Lack of fixed address or ID
- Digital exclusion
- Cost of communication
- Mobility and transport issues
- Stigma in healthcare settings
- Common health issues are poorly managed
- Barriers to mental health support
- Limited NHS dental access
- Poor access to basic facilities.
In their report, Healthwatch Dorset make several recommendations to help NHS Dorset address these issues, emphasising the need for integrated services, improved training for healthcare staff, and the removal of systemic barriers to healthcare access.
Read the reports
“This report is very much welcomed by NHS Dorset. It brings to life the challenges people face in accessing health care and support. The findings very much align with work we have started with our partners across the Integrated Care System to review and plan improvements. This report will help us further develop our health and care offer, so it is equitable for all sectors of our community.”
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