Homeless individuals in Ealing are facing discrimination within the NHS, according to a recent report discussed at the Ealing Council Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on Thursday, 26 June 2025. The Healthwatch Ealing report revealed that 80% of homeless individuals surveyed felt they were treated differently by NHS staff due to their lack of a fixed address.
The report, based on interviews with 27 people without a fixed address, including asylum seekers, and frontline healthcare workers, highlighted several key issues. Sixty percent of respondents reported a decline in their mental and physical health over the past year, often linked to poor living conditions and difficulty accessing healthcare. A significant 83% reported feeling lonely or isolated. Nearly a third (30%) were unaware of how to register with a GP.
The report made several recommendations, including providing clear training for NHS staff on GP registration, strengthening collaboration between the NHS and third-sector organisations, and supporting social connection and wellbeing in temporary accommodation. Public Health officials are exploring how NHS services can better support families in temporary accommodation and are promoting the Safer Surgeries approach.
The board also discussed the Ealing Roots and Wings programme, a grant program supporting Black-led voluntary and community sector (VCS) organizations focused on health and wellbeing. Councillor Polly Knewstub, Cabinet Member for Healthy Equal Lives, emphasized the importance of embedding leaders from these organizations into decision-making forums. The Ealing Council Health and Wellbeing Board aims to address health inequalities and build trust within the community.