Homeless still suffering from 'disappeared' ailments: Charity head

Ireland's homeless are still suffering with health problems that have otherwise 'disappeared', according to the head of the independent charity Trust.

Alice Leahy said her group, which works in Dublin, meets people who are living with conditions like trench foot, impetigo and gangrene.

The social justice campaigner has warned that nothing will change until people in power listen to those in poverty, rather than looking at statistics.

Speaking to student nurses in Athlone yesterday, she said Trust is dealing with increasing numbers of people who were re-settled in unsuitable accommodation.

Ms Leahy said and then find themselves homeless again, an experience that often makes them more isolated.

"People present to us with a wide range of medical problems including bodies that are ravaged by disease and violence.

"Some have pressure sores from sleeping out in all weathers, sometimes in urine soaked clothes for weeks; infected and untreated minor skin conditions and major skin problems such as leg ulcers and gangrene; as well as lice infected heads and scabies.

"They suffer from the effects of isolation, neglect and health problems, exacerbated by what are often described as chaotic lifestyles. Accessing mainstream services — often basic accommodation is a major problem."

Trust, operating since 1975, meets up to 60 men and women who sleep rough in the capital every day.

Additional reporting: Irish Examiner