PhD defence M.T. (Marcel) Slockers

With this study on mortality, health problems and  accessibility to care for homeless people, we show that homeless people belong to an extremely vulnerable group. We observe a variety of serious physical and mental diseases and disorders among homeless people in a life 14-16 years shorter than the general population. Homeless people do not die from homelessness but from preventable and/or treatable causes and health problems such as injuries, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In terms of accessibility of care, a constant fight against deterioration was needed. New regulations in 2015  -homeless people have since lost their health care insurance if they no longer have an address- has complicated the accessibility of care. In 2020 22,000 uninsured homeless people were reported by healthcare workers, which is  a serious underestimation. We have presented recommendations. A scheme for the uninsured can contribute to solving the problems around uninsured people, but the application of the scheme in practice must be improved. Furthermore, social medical care for homeless people must be intensified in all municipalities in the Netherlands. Policies to prevent homelessness remain needed and should be intensified. This study supports the value of a national action plan to combat homelessness. Taking good care of homeless people is beneficial for homeless people themselves and for the general population. This thesis argues for inclusion of homeless people in our society.

The public defence will take place at the Prof. Andries Queridoroom, 3rd floor Education Center, Erasmus MC. The ceremony will begin exactly at 10.30 AM. In light of the solemn nature of the ceremony, we recommend that you do not take children under the age of 6 to the first part of the ceremony.