Audit of work at a medical centre for the homeless over one year

An audit of one years' work at a voluntary health care service for the homeless involving doctors, a chiropodist, nurses and social workers was carried out. It was found that although certain health problems are more common among the homeless than in the general population, the range resembles that in any general practice. However, registration with general practitioners was much less common among the homeless than in the general population, and a high proportion of referrals to hospital did not lead to appropriate treatment. The value of a special primary health care service for the homeless is discussed.