Can early support in hospitals help people move beyond violence?

Wavehill evaluated the South Yorkshire Hospital Navigator Programme for the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. The work examined how trauma-informed, non-clinical support helped people who attended A&E following violence, domestic abuse, exploitation or related vulnerabilities. It also assessed the programme’s contribution to reducing violence-related hospital attendance and strengthening support across hospital and community services, contributing to a public health approach to violence prevention.

The evaluation combined qualitative research, programme monitoring data and a quasi-experimental analysis of A&E records. The work included:

interviews with Navigators, clinical staff and referral organisations
feedback from patients
reviews of patient case studies and monitoring data
statistical comparison using propensity score matching of supported patients with a matched historical group, reaching Level 4 on the Maryland Scientific Methods Scale

Navigators engaged people at a point when they could be more receptive to support. Their lived experience, approachable manner and independence from clinical teams helped patients disclose harm, discuss their needs and build trust. Initial face-to-face contact proved particularly important. Among referrals with recorded contact methods, 70% of people first approached in hospital engaged successfully, compared with 17% of those first contacted remotely.

Patients received emotional reassurance alongside practical help with housing, appointments, risk assessments and access to specialist services. Navigators were seen as a critical connector between patients and further support. Referral partners reported that information shared by Navigators supported faster responses, reduced duplication and improved understanding of patients’ circumstances.

Patients who provided feedback described feeling less anxious, more emotionally stable and more able to seek further help. Staff also reported that Navigators strengthened continuity of care, supported safeguarding decisions and connected people with services they might not otherwise have accessed.

The statistical analysis found a small but significant reduction in violence-related A&E attendance during the 12 months after support. Across supported patients, this represented 76% fewer recorded violence-related A&E attendances, or 19 fewer violence-related visits, compared to those not receiving support.

The available evidence indicates that the service is a vital component to South Yorkshire’s public health approach to reducing violence, supporting patients at a critical point in their journey. The evaluation informed the future development of the Navigator model and its place within a wider multi-agency response to violence.