Hospital admissions of homeless soar 400pc
HOSPITALS have experienced a four-fold surge in the annual number of homeless people being admitted to hospital, a new study has revealed.
An investigation of admissions to hospitals across the country between 2005 and 2014 revealed the number of patients with “no fixed abode” rose from 78 to 305.
They were among 2,051 homeless people who were treated in A&E departments over that time.
The majority who were admitted had mental health or behavioural problems, the findings from research led by the HSE’s Health Intelligence Unit revealed.
The research has emerged following the tragic death of Brian Hamilton (40), who was found slumped in a chair in the waiting room of Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, at the weekend.
Mr Hamilton, who was believed to be seeking shelter and did not indicate he needed medical care, was in the waiting area for up to 12 hours. His heartbroken family have spoken about his problems with alcohol and how he was doing his best to overcome them.
He had registered as homeless to receive detox treatment in the Simon centre in Dublin, but had not been sleeping rough.
The study on homeless people who were admitted to hospital found the health of these vulnerable patients is a “fundamental issue” that needs addressing.
It warned that access to and use of community and preventative services was needed to reduce their reliance on hospital A&Es.
Their average length of stay was six and a half days, while 95 needed intensive care.
More than a third of those who had a mental or behavioural disorder were abusing alcohol and a fifth had a drug addiction.
It found that 29 of these patients died in hospital at an average age of 48.
The majority of admissions were men and they were mostly in Dublin city hospitals, the study showed.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed yesterday that despite the rise in homelessness, hospitals are operating without any guidance on the care of people who turn up at A&E for a roof over their heads for a few hours.
Hospital groups revealed yesterday they are currently
operating without any HSE protocols on the care of these homeless people seeking shelter rather than medical treatment.
A spokeswoman for the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group said waiting areas “are provided for patients and families who are seeking treatment at any given time”.
She added: “All patients who present for treatment in an emergency department are triaged and treated in accordance with their clinical requirements.”
Mr Hamilton did not register or was not triaged when he arrived at the Tallaght Hospital waiting room on Saturday night. Tallaght Hospital has refused to comment on staffing levels in the unit and what its own internal procedures are for the monitoring and care of the homeless.