Tag: vulnerable patients

First Minister visits Cyrenians In Reach Service at NHS Lothian

NHS Lothian was pleased to welcome the First Minister to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh recently to visit the Cyrenians In Reach Service at NHS Lothian.

The service supports patients in hospital experiencing homelessness to complete treatment and secure suitable housing. The visit came as the Scottish Government announced an additional £40,000 for the In Reach service across NHS Lothian’s three hospitals.

The First Minister, John Swinney, said: “The Cyrenians In Reach Hospital service is absolutely vital for Edinburgh, supporting the most vulnerable patients at risk of homelessness and ensuring they have a home to go to once their treatment is completed.

“Meeting staff and former patients today has given me a key insight into how the service works and the vital role it plays. The further £40,000 from the Scottish Government will ensure it can be expanded to accommodate even more patients, most of whom are also experiencing poor mental health.

“Improving public services is a key priority for the Scottish Government and services such as this play an essential role in supporting our hospitals, local authorities and third partners to reduce rates of homelessness.”

Caroline Hiscox, Chief Executive for NHS Lothian, said: “Working with the Cyrenians Hospital In-Reach service helps us ensure patients experiencing homelessness can leave hospital safely, recover well and reduce preventable readmissions.

“We look forward to supporting this important partnership to expand.”

Chief Executive of Cyrenians Ewan Aitken said: “Homelessness majorly affects people’s health. Studies show that those who have experienced homelessness are three times as likely to be admitted to hospital, and for three times as long.

“Cyrenians Hospital InReach team have been tackling this huge public health issue for nearly five years now – reducing readmissions by three thirds.

“Thanks to this additional funding, we’ll be able to help even more people get the direct support they need, when they need it, find suitable accommodation, and stop the revolving door of hospital and homelessness.”

MSP calls for review of NHS policy that may unfairly remove vulnerable patients from waiting lists

During First Minister’s Questions this week at the Scottish Parliament, Foysol Choudhury MSP raised concerns about an NHS policy which he warned could be unfairly disadvantaging vulnerable patients. 

Mr Choudhury highlighted the case of a constituent currently on an NHS waiting list who recently received a letter from NHS informing that, if they did not confirm within 21 days whether they wanted to remain on the list, they would automatically be taken off.    

He stressed that, while the policy reflects current government guidance, its impact is far more troubling. Mr. Choudhury cautioned that vulnerable groups, including older people, and those with additional support needs, may easily miss such a tight deadline, leaving them unknowingly removed from the queue for essential care. 

Calling for urgent action, Mr Choudhury asked the First Minister to instruct Ministers and officials to review the policy to ensure that no vulnerable patient is struck off a waiting list unfairly.