In this conversation, Dr Pippa Medcalf shares her journey from witnessing the challenges faced by homeless patients in acute medicine to leading a transformative approach to hospital discharge and care. Joined by Dr Kathy Petersen, the discussion highlights the importance of compassion, education, and system-wide collaboration in ensuring no patient is discharged to the streets unsupported. The video explores the development of specialist teams, the legal duty to refer, and the role of wrap-around care in improving outcomes. It also addresses stigma, trauma, and the need for inclusive, holistic healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Speakers
Dr Pippa Medcalf is a consultant physician in acute medicine at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. She is the RCP lead for health inequalities and inclusion health, and locally she established an in-reach team to support homeless patients in hospital. Pippa is a passionate advocate for compassionate care and has pioneered hospital-based interventions to prevent discharging homeless individuals without support.
Dr Kathy Petersen is a GP partner in Northumberland and the strategic clinical lead for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, focusing on learning disability, neurodivergence, and mental health. She co-chairs the RCGP’s learning disability special interest group and is a Core20PLUS5 ambassador. Kathy is widely recognised for her work on inclusive healthcare strategies and improving access for vulnerable populations.
