New report on poor housing reinforces CSP concerns

The report argues that too many people are discharged to homes that do not meet their needs, which exacerbates health conditions and increases demand on services. The analysis finds that poor housing is costing the NHS in England £1.5 billion annually. 

RCOT’s report echoes the CSP position that people who return home after a hospital stay to housing that doesn’t meet their needs are significantly more likely to be readmitted.  

CSP’s policy lead for England, Natasha Owusu, has written previously about how poor housing exacerbates respiratory diseases and other chronic conditions, and that improving housing can support rehabilitation and reduce health inequalities. 

Poor housing is linked to a range of serious health conditions, including respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and disorders affecting the nervous system. These conditions are more common in areas of deprivation. 

Natasha Owusu, said: 

Rehabilitation can help break the cycle of repeated hospital admissions and delayed discharges, but its effectiveness depends on the environment people return to. 

Improving housing not only supports better health outcomes but also enables people to rehabilitate successfully in a home environment that sustains, rather than undermines, their recovery.

'This new report by RCOT is timely and makes a strong case for more collaboration between housing, social care and health services.’