Trust recognised for its inclusive approach to homeless patients with TB
A Trust initiative to improve support for patients with tuberculosis (TB) who are homeless has been held up as exemplary in government guidance published by the UK health security agency last month.
In response to an NHS England action plan 2021-2026 to support the World Health Organisation’s aim to eliminate TB by 2035, the Trust specialist TB team identified a need to better provide for the two to three cases of tuberculosis they see in homeless patients each year.
The Trust tuberculosis team is made up of three key members of staff: Margaret Holland, TB nurse specialist and Stacey Ikhine, TB nurse, who both work in the community, and Dr Mitra Shahidi, who is the TB lead consultant at the Trust.
Working together with social care colleagues at Buckinghamshire Council the team is developing a protocol to be able to provide fast-track access to appropriate accommodation for people found to have TB, but who do not have anywhere to live. This will ensure that patients receiving treatment for TB will not be discharged back to homelessness, if possible. The team also works closely with Wycombe Homeless Connection who will be able to provide ongoing support for these patients.
By providing fast-tracked accommodation the TB team and care providers working with them will be able to build more trusting relationships with TB patients who had been homeless before receiving treatment. This bond of trust and support, alongside having somewhere to live, will allow patients to continue with their TB medication more easily and so help to prevent transmission and further reduce cases of TB.
Homelessness remains a concern, particularly in patients who have no access to public funds, who face eviction after treatment completion.
Commenting on being recognised as an exemplary service Dr Mitra Shahidi, Consultant Respiratory Physician for Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “As a Trust we are focussed on ensuring we help create healthy communities in Buckinghamshire and do all we can to address inequalities in access to healthcare. I’m extremely proud of this example of how we’re doing just that. We’re addressing the healthcare needs of some of the most disadvantaged members of our community and doing all we can to care for them, prevent serious illness and promote improved health.”
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection that usually affects the lungs. It can be treated with antibiotics but can be serious if not treated. Find out more about TB on NHS.uk.