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Asylum seekers and refugees
The Department of Health's Asylum Seeker Co-ordination Team (ASCT) co-ordinates healthcare policy for asylum seekers and refugees. The team works across the Department of Health and other Government departments, and with health workers and service planners in the field.
In particular, ASCT liaises with the Home Office to ensure that health and social care requirements are met at all stages of the asylum process, and taken into account in policy planning. Like other UK residents, persons with an outstanding application for refuge in the UK are entitled to use NHS services without charge. Asylum seekers are often from very different cultures, may not understand the principles behind the UK health system, may not speak English, and may have complex healthcare requirements
Third national conference for GPs and doctors working with asylum-seekers and refugees
A DH sponsored residential conference took place on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 November 2007, Park Inn Hotel, York City Centre. It covered a range of clinical, policy and legal issues through a mix of key presentations, workshops, discussions and networking. Presentations from the event and other useful networking information can be found via:
Entitlement to NHS treatment
A judicial review took place on 10/11 April 2008 regarding a failed asylum seeker receiving free hospital treatment. The resultant ruling in the High Court makes it possible for failed asylum seekers to be considered 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, and, consequently, entitled to free NHS hospital treatment. The Department is considering options on a potential appeal, but unless and until the decision is overturned the Judge's decision is effectively the law. Guidance has now been issued by DH to the NHS.
As the content of the table is subject to change, please check that you are referring to the most up-to-date version before disseminating any information taken from it.
Introduction to the National Health Service
Published: 01/11/2005
This fact sheet has been written to explain the role of UK health services, the National Health Service (NHS), to newly-arrived individuals seeking asylum. It covers issues such as the role of GPs, their function as gatekeepers to the health services, how to register and how to access emergency services.
Patient-held record for for asylum-seekers and refugees
Downloadable files of patient-held records for asylum-seekers and refugees, and their children, with patient instructions in various languages.
Contacts for further information
For questions about general asylum seeker health issues
contact:
Asylum Seeker Coordination Team
Department of Health
Room 8E10 Quarry House
Quarry Hill
Leeds LS2 7UE
Tel: 0113 2546605
Fax: 0113 2545481
For questions about access to primary care for overseas visitors
Please contact your PCT for advice in the first instance. Any questions about access to primary care for overseas visitors which cannot be resolved by the PCT can be sent to the Department's mailbox for reply:
For any questions specifically relating to eligibility for free NHS hospital treatment for overseas visitors which cannot be resolved by the PCT
The Department provides a helpline number (0113 254 5819). If using this helpline, please note that it is not for questions about general asylum seeker health issues, or questions relating to personal medical services. Alternatively, you can email the Department's mailbox for reply:
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