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Abstract
This paper reports on a survey of homeless families in 11 hostels in Leicester that aimed to inform improved services for them. Of 167 families, 49 agreed to participate.
Health was important to the families, and respondents had mixed experiences of attitudes from healthcare staff. Some reported very supportive attitudes, while a small number perceived rude or unhelpful behaviour. While families had a high opinion of their health visitor, one-third did not know how to contact the service and 40% (n=21) did not know where their locai children's centre or Sure Start was. When asked about difficulties accessing hearth care, not being listened to and not having the time to explain themselves were the two most frequently cited problems. When asked what they would like from their healthcare, 84% (n«41) wanted same-day appointments, though only 35% (n=17) had this facility. Flexible services and drop-in services were the next most frequently desired services. From the survey, recommendations have been developed that will guide the service over the coming year.
Key words
Homeless families, survey, health visiting, primary care, out of hours
Community Practitioner, 2011; 84(1): 21-4.
Declared potential competing interests: The authors both work for one of the organisations upon which this survey asked respondents to comment.
Introduction
Leicester city saw the development of a new role for a health visitor working directly within the two main family hostels in August 2009. As a new service, it was important that service users' opinions were elicited regarding the services they currently received in order to help identify any barriers to their health care.
A survey was undertaken in response to the desire to develop a service that is responsive to the client group. However, homeless families understandably concentrate their resources on addressing their housing needs, and completing surveys is low on their priority list (Martin et al, 2005). A small grant was obtained from the Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI) Homeless Health Initiative, enabling a participation incentive to be offered through a chance to win a £20 gift voucher.
Background
Despite living in the fourth richest country in the world, millions of people in Britain wake up every morning in housing that is run down, overcrowded or dangerous. Many others have lost their home altogether (Cullen,...