This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Health care for homeless
03/03/2005
New standards were launched today to help homeless people get the health care they need.
NHS Boards should now ensure that homeless people in their area have the appropriate access to the health service and should also take an active role in reducing homelessness.
Launching the standards, Health Minister Health Andy Kerr said:
"Helping homeless people is about so much more than putting a roof over their head.
"Everyone is entitled to benefit from the opportunities which good health brings and to have access to quality healthcare in Scotland without exception, whatever their circumstances
"These standards will help NHS Boards plan effectively with other agencies and ensure delivery of appropriate services and the best possible care for homeless people - many of whom experience mental health problems and misuse alcohol and drugs.
"NHS Boards will review their current policies and activities aimed and addressing joint issues of health and homelessness and consider what more is required.
"We are committed to reducing inequalities in health between the most and least affluent and these standards form part of this strategy."
Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm added:
"While this is just part of the work needed to ensure that the needs of homeless people are met, these standards will make a considerable contribution to our vision to change the lives of homeless people.
"This is an important further step on from the Health and Homelessness Action Plans which began the process of improving services for the health and wellbeing of homeless people in Scotland.
"We are making good progress in tackling homelessness across a number of areas. Enhancing the life chances and health of those who experience homelessness helps to break the cycle of homelessness faced by too many in our society."
The ministers launched the standards at the unique Cyrenians Farm near Kirknewton, meeting and sharing a hearty breakfast with young homeless people who live and work there as part of a therapeutic community while getting their lives back on track.
Director of Edinburgh Cyrenians, Des Ryan commented:
"Scotland is leading Europe in vigorously tackling homelessness. Health is a crucial part of this strategy. We want people to have every chance to get on their feet again and get on in their lives.
"As we all know, it's hard to cope let alone move things forwards if you're unhealthy or not feeling well. The new national health & homelessness standards show that the Executive understands this and is committed to ensuring that the critical need of homeless people for health and well-being is given proper attention."
The standards are as follows:
- The Boards governance systems provide a framework in which improved health outcomes for homeless people are planned delivered and sustained;
- The Board takes an active role in partnership with relevant agencies to prevent and alleviate homelessness;
- The Board demonstrates an understanding of the profile and health needs of homeless people across the area;
- The Board takes action to ensure homeless people have equitable access to the full range of health services;
- The Board's services respond positively to the health needs of homeless people;
- The Board is effectively implementing the health and homelessness action plan; and
- Sharing practice and innovations.