GP: The needs of asylum seeker’s health is “not being met”

As reported by the BBC News, a GP in Belfast has spoken out against the living conditions of asylum seekers

Dr Kieran Kelly believes specialist health hubs are needed to support those in need and hopes he is “shining a light on a problem that has been with us for quite a while”.

The Home Office has reported “unprecedented increase in asylum cases”.

“Despite this, we continue to ensure that safe accommodation, appropriate for individual needs, is provided to asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute” it has commented.

Dr Kelly has said that several members of families often live in single rooms without fridges and other “very basic household facilities”. This became a problem when the GP wanted to prescribe antibiotics to a child for a chest infection, which needed to be kept refrigerated.

Mears was awarded the government contract to house asylum seekers in Belfast. The group works cosely with local authorities “to support service users in hotels”, but has said that it is the NHS which is responsible for healthcare.

A statement by the Mears Group said “In hotels, food and snacks are provided to all services users and the nutritional content and portions are in line with NHS Eatwell guidelines.”

In an effort to deter people crossing the Channel and seeking asylum, the UK government plans to take some to Rwanda.