Huge congratulations to Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership’s (HSCP) Homeless Health and Asylum Service (now called Complex Needs and Asylum Health Services) who were announced as the winner of the People's Choice Award at the Scottish Health Awards 2021 on Thursday, 4 November. The service was one of six finalists with the winner decided by a public vote.

The Scottish Health Awards is the most prestigious and recognised awards for those working across NHS Scotland and its partners to deliver high quality health and social care services to the people of Scotland. Run by the Daily Record in partnership with NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government, the awards recognise those that go that extra mile to improve the health and wellbeing of others.

The Homeless Health and Asylum Service provides health and social care assessment and treatment to some of the most vulnerable and complex patient groups in Glasgow. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the service changed its model of delivery away from clinics to outreach and more face-to-face contact.

Every element of the service was reviewed in response to the rising numbers of homeless people and asylum seekers in the city. During the pandemic, Glasgow accommodated over 600 newly homeless people in hotels while dealing with ongoing pressures in finding homes for asylum seekers.

The team established a daily health care clinic including a response to complex wound care and a new patient clinic offering same day access to assessment and treatment. The team delivered over 200 flu vaccinations in 2020, over 300 Naloxone supplies and delivery of 300 pay as you go mobile phones to service users.

A COVID-19 vaccination programme was delivered, in conjunction with commissioned services, across 50 Homelessness and Asylum accommodation sites. This resulted in over 550 first dose vaccinations with a further schedule of over 370 second doses vaccinations administered equating to over 70% second doses captured. A COVID-19 vaccination clinic has now been established for all new asylum seekers on arrival to Glasgow.

Training, contact and support was provided to staff working within the city centre hotels and across multiple homeless accommodations. 

Lisa Ross, Service Manager said: “We’re absolutely delighted to win the People’s Choice Award and would like to give a massive thanks to all who took the time to vote for us. I’m so proud of our team and all the finalists across all the categories. The last two years have been very challenging but the whole service completely pulled together. We wouldn't be able to achieve what we do without the partnership model that we work in.”

Jim McBride, Head of Adult Services (Homelessness) said: “The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a population within Glasgow with multiple and complex needs; needs that do not fit neatly into one group or that can be dealt with by a single service. The response by the team to this high-risk population achieved positive and sustainable outcomes with increased engagement, service retention and a significant decrease in risk.

“Service user feedback highlighted the positive impact of the changes and provided confirmation of the model to be maintained for the future.

“The team has achieved hugely positive results and ultimately, due to all of their efforts, have contributed to the development of a service that is far more patient-centred and responsive to need, and positive in relation to collaborative and partnership working. They totally deserve this award.”