Comment on ONS data showing the number of homeless people who have died from coronavirus
Comment published
Dr Briony Hudson, Senior Research Manager at Marie Curie comments on ONS figures released on Friday 10th July showing the number of identified deaths involving the coronavirus (COVID-19) of people who were homeless. As the UKs leading end-of-life charity, Marie Curie campaigns for fairer access to end-of-life care for all and the best possible end of life experience for all.
Dr Briony Hudson, Senior Research Manager at Marie Curie, said: “During the crisis we have seen how funding for emergency accommodation such as homeless hotels has not only helped reduce the risk of infection among the homeless community, it has also enabled professionals to assess the needs of people who have previously been harder to reach. While this has been a positive step, access to care following these assessments remains a challenge, and is particularly important for those with advanced ill health. Many homeless people die young from conditions such as advanced liver disease, often complicated by mental health problems and/or drug and alcohol issues, yet rarely receive adequate care and support in the community.
“As the true figure of deaths amongst homeless people is likely to be under-estimated, we are concerned that as funding for the homeless hotels comes to an end, thousands of homeless people living with advanced ill health, will once again return to the margins of our society and miss out on the care and support they desperately need.”
Dr Hudson has also researched palliative care in homeless people.