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Salford’s Beacon for Asylum Seekers Faces Closure Beth McElroy
W
hen asylum seekers arrive in the UK they are
for access to valuable social support. In mainstream practice
plunged into a world of disorientation and
different expectations of healthcare and language barriers may
confusion. Culturally isolated, they enter a climate
compound difficulties asylum seekers face navigating the NHS.
of suspicion and a labyrinth of bureaucracy. Their asylum
Approximately 75% of patients need an interpreter and asking
application marks the beginning of a long and difficult struggle;
friends or family to act as translators, contravenes the European
one that may compromise their dignity, liberty and their health.
Human Rights Act. Whilst the long term aim of integrating asylum services and
When the NHS was founded, it committed to care for all
increasing awareness across the PCT is a good one, the pros-
those in need. This core principal appears to be under threat.
pect is currently impractical. Although the HC has difficulties
Nationally, the government is advocating the withdrawal of pri-
accessing outlying patients, it offers an essential specialised and
mary care from failed asylum seekers. Locally, Salford Primary
holistic service. In my opinion, the PCT should develop this
Care Trust (PCT) is proposing ‘mainstream integration,’ which
Gold-Standard service and facilitate changes within the existing
will see health provision for asylum seekers diluted.
framework.
Asylum seekers are a vulnerable group with different
The Horizon Centre acts as a beacon to asylum seekers who
healthcare needs. They include unaccompanied children,
would, without this resource, struggle to keep their heads above
women that have suffered genital mutilation and individuals
water. To comment on the proposed changes please visit:
who may have been tortured, raped or imprisoned during
http://www.salford.nhs.uk/asylum/pcfbody.asp?id=8
conflict or as persecution for their political or religious beliefs. In addition, low income levels, poor shared accommodation, lack of family support and distressing visits to reporting centres with the fear of impromptu detention, broaden barriers to mental and physical well-being. There is a high prevalence of patients suffering from depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Salford PCT set up the Horizon Centre (HC) in 2004 as “the answer to many problems identified around asylum seekers attempting to access primary care services.” This specialist team provides primary and social care services to patients in a culturally sensitive environment during the complex asylum process. The proposed model for Salford advocates a new service whereby asylum seekers register with a mainstream GP. The selected, additionally trained practioners will be able to refer particularly vulnerable patients to a specialist team “for more intense support and treatment in times of crisis or specific need.” This logistical nightmare would mean many patients may, once again, have their healthcare needs marginalized. Around 15% of the clients currently registered with the HC suffer from PTSD, some of whom require weekly support. Consistency is important to encourage disclosure without triggering distressing flashbacks. Such needs cannot be addressed in general practice. Overstretched GPs may struggle to produce medico-legal reports for court at short notice and patients may be left fighting
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