Under the Homelessness Reduction Act (2017), specified public bodies have a duty to refer at-risk households to a local authority housing team. This means a person’s housing situation must be considered whenever they come into contact with a wider public service, such as a hospital or GP practice. 

Please see the resources section for links to organisations helping homeless people.

Safe surgery initiative (Doctors of the World)

Everyone is eligible to register with a GP and receive primary care services free of charge, regardless of a patient’s immigration status or if they are homeless. They have a right to register and it is not a contractual requirement to provide proof of address or identification. If a patient lives in the area and is homeless (e.g. rough sleeping, sofa surfing etc.) they can be registered using the practice’s address.

Practices are encouraged to become a safe surgery. The safe surgery initiative supports GP practices to tackle the barriers to healthcare faced by people in vulnerable circumstances, especially migrants, refugees, people seeking sanctuary and homeless people. The safe surgeries toolkit is designed to help primary care staff support patients living in vulnerable circumstances realise their right to healthcare.

Additionally, staff can complete the Safe Surgeries e-Learning module, which support general practice staff in understanding primary care entitlement and improving access for everyone in your local communities. The initiative will also support the CQC requirement to support and provide care for different groups of people.

Area specific guidance for Camden

The Camden Health Improvement Practice (CHIP) is a GP practice for homeless people and those with substance misuse, alcohol and mental health problems. It provides a mixture of drop-in and appointment sessions. New patients can present at the drop-in sessions and register on the day. Alternatively, patients can call 020 3182 4200 to book an appointment.