The lack of temporary accommodation due to the COVID-19 pandemic is creating increased challenges in discharging people at risk of homelessness, according to new research from the Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru.
In a recent study, CIH Cymru’s Tyfu Tai Cymru project commissioned Gana Consulting and C.A.R.P Collaborations to take a fresh look at what role housing advice plays when patients are discharged from hospital.
The research included a focus on how COVID-19 had impacted arrangements and sought the views of professionals, patients, and carers across Wales.
The report found that:
- Staff do not tend to follow a clear protocol on hospital discharge, often relying on local conventions
- The lack of temporary accommodation because of the COVID-19 pandemic is creating increased challenges in discharging people at risk of homelessness or those whose home may be unsuitable following their hospital stay
- Staff in specialist roles who before the pandemic worked in a hospital setting now rely on non-specialist staff to communicate their advice and guidance
- The presence of a housing expert in a hospital setting can improve timely advice for professionals and patients
- Patients who are not formally admitted to hospital do not get information that could keep them well at home
- Delays to adaptations, the need for ongoing care, and complications whilst in hospital all cause delays to a patient being discharged
- Approaches that involve a wide range of professionals in discharge planning increase the likelihood that patient needs are considered holistically – although sometimes the involvement of key professionals, like housing staff, can come too late
- The use of multiple IT systems can make it harder to share up to date information that is accessible to all staff
- There is evidence that carers needs assessments are not being carried out consistently and that housing is not a regular consideration when these discussions do happen
The report makes a wide range of recommendations for health boards, the Welsh government, and other stakeholders who support the hospital discharge planning process.
These include the need to ensure housing advice is considered as a central part of discharge planning, to involve housing experts at the earliest opportunity when a housing advice need becomes apparent, and further consideration be given to how local authorities can be supported to facilitate hospital discharge with limited temporary accommodation in place as a result of the pandemic.
Reflecting on the report, Catherine May, from Tyfu Tai Cymru, said: “This research shines a light on what can be achieved for people when housing experts are included in a joined-up way and housing advice used as part of the discharge planning process.
“It shows that discharge planning can vary widely depending on someone’s circumstances – from those who may present at a hospital but not be formally admitted, to those who undergo a procedure that will change their ongoing housing and care needs.
“Whilst we know a one-size-fits-all approach does not work, there is a case to make sure housing advice is embedded so everyone can have access to it when they come into contact with healthcare services.”
Matthew Kennedy, Policy and Public Affairs manager at CIH Cymru, added: “Whilst we know that not everyone who is admitted to hospital will need help or support with their housing, this report shows that there are too many missed opportunities to identify housing needs that could ultimately help people stay well at home and avoid returning to hospital.
“Given the need to protect capacity in the NHS is even more important under the conditions of the COVID-19 crisis we’re urging the Welsh government and health boards to act swiftly on the back of our recommendations to make those sensible links where we know housing advice could have a real impact on helping healthcare professionals in their high-pressure roles, and support better outcomes for patients, carers, and families.”
Image: JessicaGirvan/Shutterstock
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