An intermediary could bridge the gap-- between GPs and rough sleepers falling through the cracks

A Waikato University study's found homeless people die more than 30 years earlier than the general population -- and three-quarters of the deaths are preventable.

Medical director of the Royal New Zealand College of GPs, Bryan Betty, says a middleman could help rough sleepers access the support they need.

He says a social or health worker could liaise with the person and a homeless shelter -- to note down an address where GPs could send medical correspondence.