Publish date: 1 August 2024
A brand new multi-agency team, led by Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU), has seen improved outcomes for Emergency Department patients experiencing homelessness.
Following a Safeguarding Adult Review last year, it was found that improvements were needed in the way that organisations work together to support people accessing their services.
In response to the review, PHU led a project in Queen Alexandra Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) to improve communication between agencies and introduced a brand new Multi-Agency Safeguarding and Support Team (MASST). The project has helped to ensure PHU has a checklist for supporting patients as well as good communication and information sharing between teams and organisations to improve patient care.
PHU also became one of nine trusts nationally to partake in an NHS England pilot study to support people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping.
MASST aims to increase staff knowledge of how to support people experiencing homelessness, ensure staff are following the correct procedures, and facilitate a fortnightly meeting to help improve patient outcomes and communications between the agencies.
An average of twenty to thirty patients experiencing homelessness are admitted to Queen Alexandra Hospital’s ED each month, with these patients more likely to readmit multiple times. By strengthening the support offer available and ensuring they have access to the care they need, MASST aims to reduce the number of times these patients readmit.
Kerry Gilbert, Emergency Department Matron at PHU, said: “When I attended the Safeguarding Review, it was frustrating that basic communication was getting in the way of providing the best care for people experiencing homelessness. This prompted me to get in touch with the agencies and set up MASST.
“I am passionate about the team supporting each other professionally,” she added. “It is sometimes difficult for us to hold up our hands and admit we don’t know something. With MASST, I was really keen to improve communications but also create a process where everyone understands each other’s roles and feels comfortable speaking up if they are unsure about something.”
Senior Sister at PHU, Hannah Merritt, admitted that, prior to MASST, she herself wasn’t sure on how to safeguard patients experiencing homelessness.
She said: “Since MASST, I have learnt that so much can be done for patients. Homelessness does not just mean rough sleeping or living on the streets; it encompasses so much more including sofa surfing and those who have received an eviction notice.
“It’s important for us to break stereotypes with staff as part of this work and ensure we are safeguarding these patients.”
One of the agencies involved was Portsmouth City Council who helped strengthen the links between the hospital and community services.
Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Health & Care at Portsmouth City Council said: "I am pleased the council was able to support this important project which means people experiencing homelessness will receive more specialised support when admitted to the Emergency Department. This is a prime example of how collaboration and shared expertise can lead to the best outcomes."
Recently Portsmouth-resident, Barry Wilson, attended a Safeguarding Study Day at the hospital to talk about his own experiences with homelessness.
Barry grew up in Canning Town, London, became homeless and slept rough for many years. Barry recognised he wanted to change and, with only the clothes on his back, hopped on the first bus to Portsmouth. He has lived in the city for four years now in accommodation dedicated to those experiencing homelessness.
The Emergency Department Team at PHU met Barry through the MASST project and he is now a pivotal part of the team, sharing his story with staff at PHU and taking part in study days to raise awareness of supporting others like him.
The MASST project originated in the hospital’s Emergency Department and has now rolled out across the wider Trust. The team aims to improve knowledge and understanding of how to support people experiencing homelessness and break down the stigma and labelling often associated with those sleeping rough or experiencing homelessness.
The project has also been shortlisted for a Nursing Times Award in the Emergency and Critical Care category. The ceremony will take place in London in October where the winners will be announced.