A project supporting the homeless, and those at risk of homelessness at Stepping Hill Hospital has been recognised with a shortlisting at this year’s regional Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards.

Laura Burgess, the Homeless Hospital Discharge Advocate who is the key player in the project, is a finalist in the ‘Rising Star’ category of the awards, which celebrate the best in healthcare throughout the region.

Laura is from Stockport Homes Group (SHG), and works as part of the partnership project between SHG, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and other partners homelessness advice and support at the hospital.

Homelessness can lead to or worsen many health problems, and ill health can be both a cause and consequence of homelessness. Patients who are discharged into a state of homelessness can therefore be dragged into a spiral of worsening health, requiring further hospital care and treatment. Laura works to help tackle this problem.

Laura provides both training for hospital staff in helping patients at risk of homelessness, and direct support herself.

On a daily basis, Laura will visit the emergency department (A&E) wards. Where patients are referred to Laura, she can support with housing and finances, health and social or community support. If a patient is discharged, Laura continues to follow that patient up and offer help in any way she can.

Laura is described by hospital colleagues as going above and beyond in her efforts on a partnership scheme which is having a real impact in tacking homelessness amongst patients, which has led to her shortlisting as ‘Rising Star’.

Nic Firth, Chief Nurse for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said “We see a number of people in our services who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness, and it’s so important we offer them the support they need for their health and wellbeing. That’s why as partners we introduced this initiative, and Laura has done a fantastic job in making it happen. She truly deserves the title of ‘Rising Star’ and we wish her all the best for the awards.”

Now in their sixth year, the Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards are organised by NHS Greater Manchester and celebrate the incredible individuals and teams who work tirelessly on the frontlines and behind-the-scenes to improve the health and wellbeing of others.

All shortlisted nominations will be considered by a judging panel and the winners announced at a sponsored event in July.