The vagrant in the accident and emergency department.

Those of no fixed abode constituted only 0.3% of all new patients seen in one year. The majority presented with a disorder due to acute medical illness or trauma. This group has poor access to general practitioners, and turns to the accident and emergency department for medical care. However, the number of investigations performed and the number admitted to hospital indicate a substantial amount of serious pathology. The proportion of homeless attenders abusing the accident and emergency facilities is small.