General Health Advice for Professionals Supporting Asylum Seekers
Providing care for people who have experienced violence or persecution can be challenging. They may be unable to discuss their health problems openly or be fearful of examination. They may also have difficulty trusting people in positions of authority, including doctors.
Experiences of torture and other violence can cause deep-rooted feelings of shame, humiliation and guilt, and many patients may be reluctant to disclose to a relative stranger. As a professional supporting asylum seekers or refugees you should make sure you respond compassionately and sensitively and be aware that building a relationship of trust and support to facilitate disclosure can take some time.
In terms of research and resources there is lots of helpful links that can be found on the government website like the health disparities and inequalities report that can be found below, that makes important insights into improving the wider determinants of health but also noting community-centred practice.
You can also find a guide for health care practitioners on assessing new patients from overseas, here.
Research exploring access to health support and treatment for people subject to modern slavery and trafficking
As part of a series of research projects commissioned by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the UCLH Inclusion Health Outreach team, St John of God Hospitaller Services have published new research which explores the challenges around access to health support and treatment for people subject to modern-day slavery and trafficking. The research found that, participants face several key barriers to accessing health services, including a lack of documentation, language barriers, lack of knowledge of services, concerns about repercussions from traffickers, police, and concerns about immigration status. You can read the report in full here.
Doctors of the World Briefing on the right to interpreting and translation services.
This briefing provides an overview of the evidence and literature relating to the provision of interpretation and translation services in the NHS. It highlights the benefits of providing communication support for people who may experience language barriers when accessing and utilising primary care services, particularly those seeking sanctuary in the UK. It additionally discusses the legal position of the NHS and the responsibilities and duties set out in guidance that shape the current policy landscape and can be read, here.
Arrival Medical Practice – Stockton
Arrival medical practice in Stockton also provide tailored services for asylum seekers and refugees, which includes mental health and wellbeing support. The Red Cross also offer appointments at Arrival every Wednesday and offer various services such as emotional support. If you would like more information you can visit their website using the button below.
Maternity Resources – Maternity Stream of Sanctuary
To address the health inequalities within maternity services the Maternity Stream of Sanctuary have created multiple resources on their website which can be accessed here. They have also compiled a resource pack to promote a culture of welcome within maternity services for people seeking sanctuary in the UK. The pack aims to be useful to a range of professionals who support families seeking sanctuary during the journey from pregnancy to parenthood. It can be found via the button below:
Maternity Resources – North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
The North East and North Cumbria Local Maternity and Neonatal System have developed a very useful user friendly ‘Maternity Profile’ guide for health care professionals to use with pregnant asylum seekers and refugees to support a positive culturally appropriate experience for mothers giving birth. It also aims to support access to maternity care, information and strives to improve outcomes. It can be found via the button below:
There is also lots of helpful advice out there about the Menopause released by Healthwatch Middlesbrough, which can be accessed here. It features lots of accessible guidance, videos, information and specific resources for women who are black, Muslim or for LGBTQIA+ individuals who are experiencing menopause.
Advice on healthcare entitlements
Free advice is available to the public/professionals from Doctors of the World’s national helpline: 020 75157534 (10am to 12pm, Mon to Fri). Outside of these times e-mail: clinic@doctorsoftheworld.org.uk
Maternity Action also provides free telephone advice to help women get the maternity care they need and on charging (0808 800 0041, Thurs. only 10am-12noon) & email advice at: maternitycareaccess@maternityaction.org.uk
Resources to signpost Asylum Seekers to
There are also many helpful resources and signposts for you to direct the people you are working with to on our health pages specifically for refugee’s and asylum seekers themselves. This includes translated materials, videos and specific support to help improve elements of their health.
There’s also lot of health related information to signpost asylum seekers to in NEMP’s welcome guides – Available in many different languages. You can find them both using the buttons below.
