In this article, Dr Makeda Kingue Sousseing explains how the Safe Surgeries initiative is opening the door to better refugee care
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on RCGP
Being an asylum seeker or a refugee means starting over. It means leaving everything you knew in the hope of sanctuary. Asylum seekers must navigate an unfamiliar healthcare system which naturally comes with challenges, such as learning how and where to appropriately access healthcare and overcoming financial, cultural and language barriers. This is compounded by an already strained NHS with long wait times for mental health services and GP appointments.
Encouraging the use of interpreters, where possible, to break down the language barrier, allowing for better communication.
Patients with insecure immigration status, such as asylum seekers and undocumented migrants, understandably may have fears around information being shared with the Home Office. Therefore, as a Safe Surgery you are advised not to ask for proof of immigration status, to ensure patient information remains protected, and that frontline staff are able to create a welcoming and reassuring environment.
Small changes like this have a significant impact on patient experience and, as a result, health seeking behaviours.
Many GPs are already following the good practice and the Safe Surgeries guidelines can help provide a level of confidence that the steps they have taken are endorsed by medical leaders in the area of refugee health care.
It is important to remember Safe Surgeries is a framework that supports all marginalised patients, including undocumented migrants, victims of sex trafficking, unhoused patients or sex workers. Additional funding can be provided to support patients of these underserved groups.
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