Notes to editors
Hospital admissions data
- This data is taken from the Hospital Episode Statistics collection, the most complete compilation of data on hospital activity in England available. We have used the publicly available summary statistics for each year.
- Hospital activity refers to ‘Finished Consultant Episodes’, which are a period of care under a consultant. An admission to hospital may include more than one consultant episode if the patient is placed under the care of multiple consultants.
- Activity was reported where the ICD-10 code ‘Z59.0 – Homelessness’ was present as a diagnosis. In the vast majority of cases, homelessness is recorded as a contributing factor to hospital admission (ie as a ‘secondary diagnosis’) rather than the main reason for admission (ie the ‘primary diagnosis’).
Dena Pursell
Dena Pursell is not available for interview, but a short video of her talking about her own experience of sleeping rough is available for re-use on request. Dena now works as a homeless health care navigator with the charity Groundswell and helps people to access health and care services. Groundswell exists to enable people experiencing homelessness to take more control of their lives, have a greater influence on services and have a full role in our community.
Further information
For further information, contact Andrew McCracken, Head of Press and Public Affairs, The King's Fund: a.mccracken@kingsfund.org.uk | Tel: +44 (0)20 7307 2594 | Mob: +44 (0)7774 907 960
The King's Fund is an independent charity working to improve health and care in England. We help to shape policy and practice through research and analysis; develop individuals, teams and organisations; promote understanding of the health and social care system; and bring people together to learn, share knowledge and debate. Our vision is that the best possible health and care is available to all.