Step-Down Homeless Medical Care Pathway

Our model, experience and expertise mean we will contribute to economic, social and environmental wellbeing across London.

• Mildmay’s step-down homeless pathway is the first of its kind in London and has demonstrated innovation as well as facilitated a practical response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Holistic and person-centred, the pathway aims to support patients with appropriate housing, linking patients with relevant community support services and external partners, as well as delivering medical, nursing and therapy input. The new post-detox homeless pathway will build upon this. We have a full-time experienced Housing Officer on site, and discharge planning commences on admission

• We empower patients to have a voice, for example, by completing patient surveys and giving feedback in relation to all aspects of the care experience

• We share positive recovery stories and support/lead anti-stigma campaigns, for example, in relation to homelessness, addiction and HIV. We participate in community events raising awareness of key issues

• We address health inequalities, developing person-centred care plans and ensuring that there is appropriate support at each stage. We encourage patients to be involved in their care planning and discharge planning

• We encourage patients to involve their families and loved ones with their care if appropriate, facilitating on-site visits whilst ensuring that national Covid restrictions are not breached. We offer practical support and advice and refer families to external organisations for ongoing assistance where necessary

• Mildmay’s multi-denominational and multi-faith chaplaincy team offer patients spiritual support, linking patients with places of worship and ongoing support where necessary

• Our Dietician and her students have extensively researched a range of facilities (day centres, hairdressers, legal advice, food services and many other types of services) available to patients who are homeless within several London boroughs, producing comprehensive information leaflets for patients

• Our meal service is tailor-made, fresh and cooked on site, incorporating a wide range of cultures, individual preferences and dietary needs, e.g. we are able to provide vegetarian, vegan, Halal, Kosher, gluten-free meals and provide appropriate healthy options for patients with allergies and food intolerances as well as patients with swallowing difficulties

• We provide a range of clothes and toiletries to patients when this is required and actively encourage donations from local communities and businesses

• Balancing this with infection control guidelines, we aim to reduce waste and recycle wherever possible

• We provide a peaceful and attractive well-designed garden space, accessible to all patients as well as staff and volunteers, encouraging integration and preventing social isolation

• We encourage patients to utilise the gym space, and our Physiotherapists assess and advise patients in relation to their physical fitness

• Freeview TVs, DVD players and WiFi are freely available in patient rooms, encouraging patients to connect with friends and family during their inpatient stay. The WiFi also promotes independence, allowing patients to access external support, housing, complete forms etc

• We maintain links with a range of universities across London and beyond, facilitating placements for medical students and nursing students, including RMNs and placements for a wide range of allied health professionals, for example, Dietetics, Social Work, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy. We also provide elective and short-term placements

• We recruit newly qualified as well as experienced staff, nurturing staff within a wide range of roles within a supportive and supervised environment

• We value and invest in our volunteers, who are a key part of our team. We continue to build upon our existing volunteering programme and, where appropriate, offer past patients the opportunity to volunteer at Mildmay and gain valuable experience within a wide range of areas such as fundraising, chaplaincy, administration, reception, estates and facilities, befriending, horticulture. Many volunteers have, over the years, successfully gained paid employment at Mildmay Hospital and elsewhere.