In the previous year, the predominant factor impeding the timely discharge of patients from mental health hospitals in England was the stark scarcity of supported housing, which inflicted a financial burden of approximately £71 million on the NHS, as revealed by a report from the National Housing Federation (NHF).
The analysis highlighted that, during the 2023-24 period, there were over 109,029 days of delay attributed to patients awaiting suitable supported accommodation. The situation has markedly deteriorated since 2021, with a more than threefold increase in individuals detained in hospitals due to housing issues.
By September 2024, the shortage of supported housing emerged as the leading cause of delay for mental health patients ready to be discharged, accounting for 17% of all such delays.
This deficiency has strained NHS resources and escalated the instances of patients being admitted to hospitals outside their local areas.
Rhys Moore, the NHF’s Director of Public Impact, expressed concern over the profound impact of this shortage on public services and the resultant financial implications for the NHS and taxpayers.
He highlighted the dire consequences for individuals deserving of a healthy and independent life, now faced with increased homelessness.
The report also pointed out that the number of supported homes in England is declining, with one-third of providers forced to shut down schemes in the past year due to economic constraints.
Chris Hampson, CEO of Look Ahead, described the sector as experiencing a “perfect storm” of challenges, unprecedented in their five-decade history, including inflation and cuts to local government budgets.
The NHS and supported housing crisis are deeply intertwined, necessitating a holistic approach to healthcare that includes adequate community provision, as per Sophie Boobis from Homeless Link. She argued for more effective and purposeful funding allocations tailored to specific accommodation needs.
The NHF has urged the government to incorporate housing solutions within its forthcoming national housing strategy and the NHS’s ten-year plan.
This approach, according to David Fothergill of the Local Government Association, is crucial for alleviating pressure on the health and social care system, emphasising the urgent need for long-term investment in supported housing and preventive care.
The government acknowledged the inherited housing crisis and announced a commitment to a significant increase in social and affordable housing construction as part of its strategy to build 1.5 million new homes.
Additionally, a £26 billion investment plan aims to enhance community-based care and reduce hospital stay durations by strengthening the collaboration between the NHS and social care services.
