News

Primary care could offer more refuge

GPs can play a key role in improving the health of refugees by registering families permanently with their practices without first asking to see a passport. Practices should also ensure that refugee children receive immunisation and make contact with local community and voluntary groups who work with refugees, a new report says.

Refugee and Asylum Seekers: a guide for general practices, published by the King’s Fund, points out that many refugees find it hard to register with a GP because they live in temporary accommodation.

Naaz Coker, King’s Fund director of race and diversity, said: ‘GPs are vital to the health of refugees, but can often be unaware of their needs.’

Bob Reitemeier, operations director of the Children’s Society, said: ‘Many refugee families arrive in Britain having endured war and persecution, only to be denied essential healthcare.’

Meanwhile, the Greater London Association of Community Health Councils has called for CHCs to campaign for the provision of more specialist refuges for black and minority ethnic women.

Many black and minority ethnic women are deterred from seeking help due to cultural reasons and perceived stigma, GLACHC says.

GLACHC: 0171 700 8125.

King’s Fund: 0171 307 2591.