Changes over time
The 2013 homeless health study is the third such study to take place; this group was surveyed in 1997 and 2005, which enabled the researchers to compare some of the findings and track changes over time.
However, the earlier studies looked only at the homeless population in Dublin and did not include suicidality.
In comparing the findings from previous studies, there was some good news in relation to access to healthcare for the homeless population in Dublin.
For example, in 2013, 77 per cent had a medical card compared with just 55 per cent in 2005 and in 1997 when the Irish economy was much stronger.
The 2013 survey also found that more than 90 per cent of the homeless population in Limerick were registered with a GP and almost 90 per cent had a medical card.
According to O’ Reilly, the availability of specialist healthcare services such as the Safetynet programme was improving access to healthcare services for the homeless population.
While there had been some improvements in relation to access, Dr O Reilly said that homelessness was “a very unhealthy state”.
“Homeless people are suffering disproportionate levels of illness and addiction. There has been better identification, more treatment and better access to services . . . [the] high level of mental health problems and suicidality is the most striking thing to come out of this,” she said.
Source: June Shannon, Irish Times, 17/10/14
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