Housing and Health

The connection between health and the dwellings of the population is one of the most important that exists, declared Florence Nightingale. But what is actually known about the connection? Stella Lowry looks at some of the major influences on housing and health in Britain today. manage more conditions largely or solely in the community, and hospital doctors to use day case techniques and early discharge. This is safe only if patients' home conditions are known and the probable effects of these understood. Doctors are often asked to help patients obtain rehousing on medical grounds, so they need to know how this system works. Perhaps most importantly, doctors have a responsibility to suggest policies which might prevent avoidable illness. This comprehensive survey provides evidence for making such proposals.