Response 344231146

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Section 2: Prevention Review Group proposed recommendations for Health and Social Care

18. Do you agree with the the proposal that GP practices are required to refer to local authorities where there is a risk of homelessness identified?

Please select one item
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Please say why
I have significant concerns about anything that puts a statutory requirement on practices to refer. There are issues surrounding confidentiality and I would be apprehensive that there may also be unintended consequences of this that may put off patients approaching GPs and practices when they need help. GPs and their staff have always used professional judgment in discussion with the patient to determine the best course of action, which is inline with GMC guidance.

19. Are there any additional approaches that could be adopted by GP practices to better identify and respond to housing need?

Please say any additional approaches
Better resourced community link worker services along with availability of free online training for GPs and staff in this area (although noting that uptake may be limited due to access to protected time for training).

About you

111. Are you responding as an individual or an organisation?

Please select one item
(Required)
Individual
Organisation

112. If responding as an organisation, what is the name of your organisation?

Ayrshire and Arran Local Medical Committee Limited

115. If you are responding as an organisation, please indicate where your main responsibilities are:

Please select all that apply
Housing and homelessness
Health and social care
Children’s services and young people
Prisons
Court services
Police
Domestic abuse
Social landlord
Private landlord