22 February 2012
Expert comment on homeless in hospitals
RMIT University’s Dr Guy Johnson is available for interview on reports hospital emergency departments are struggling with increasing numbers of homeless people who seek help and shelter because of the lack of crisis accommodation.
The Australian Medical Association is urging the Victorian Government to spend $2.8 million on 50 extra beds for homeless patients who are discharged from hospitals at night.
Dr Johnson is a Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) in RMIT.
He publishes frequently on homelessness and has more than 15 years’ experience working with those at risk of homelessness and homeless households.
Dr Johnson’s recent research projects include:
- a study of 4,291 homeless people in Melbourne that challenged widely-held beliefs about the connections between homelessness and mental illness; and,
- an evaluation of a Sacred Heart Mission pilot project that showed the value of intensive support for getting people out of long-term homelessness.
He is available for interview until 3pm today (22 February).
For interviews: Dr Guy Johnson, 0419 545 345
For general media enquiries: RMIT University, Marketing and Communications, Gosia Kaszubska, (03) 9925 3176 or 0417 510 735.
