§ Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Williams of Mostyn on 21 April (WA 200), what are the public health risks associated with the widespread rough sleeping around Westminster Cathedral. [HL 1835]
§ The Minister of State, Department of Health (Baroness Jay of Paddington)The public health risks associated with rough sleeping around Westminster Cathedral are very similar to those associated with homelessness in any area of London or any other large city. These include a greater risk to homeless people of premature death and higher rates of illness, including respiratory and gastrointestinal infection, poorer perinatal outcomes and mental health problems which may be linked to stress, alcohol and drug misuse. Access to health services, particularly health promotion and primary care, is also often more difficult for homeless people.