The Health Inequalities Cross Party Group met on Tuesday 26th January at 6pm online via Zoom. The meeting was chaired by Group Co-Convenor Donald Cameron MSP.
Topic: Deep social exclusion: dying whilst homeless in Scotland
Homelessness is often an indication of severe and multiple disadvantage and complex needs. Scotland has double the number of homelessness deaths to the rest of the UK. Why do homeless people have significantly worse symptoms than other groups at the end of life, but often die without accessing end of life care? Why are homeless people so concerned about dying alone, anonymously, on the streets and being forgotten and what do they want to see happen instead?
This was a timely discussion for the CPG to hold and we welcomed two presenters with specialist knowledge and experience of working in this area.
- Dr Andrea Williamson, a founder Deep End GP and clinician at Glasgow’s Hunter Street Homeless Service: Covid-19, homelessness and implications for end of life care.
Dr Andrea E Williamson Health Inequalities CPG Presentation
- Dr Joy Rafferty, a speciality doctor at Strathcarron Hospice and Master of Public Health: homelessness and palliative care.
Dr Joy Rafferty Health Inequalities CPG Presentation
The draft minutes of this meeting can be viewed here: CPG HI draft minutes 26 1 21 Final
If you have any questions about the CPG, please contact Lauren Blair- lauren.blair@vhscotland.org.uk
