Bristol City of Sanctuary and Doctors of the World are working together to ensure everyone, including people seeking asylum and refugees, can exercise their right to healthcare in the UK.
The Safe Surgeries Initiative was set up in response to Doctors of the World’s findings that 1 in 5 of their attempts to register patients with a GP were being wrongfully refused, despite the fact that everyone living in the UK is entitled to access NHS primary care for free. The biggest barriers nationally are lack of proof of ID or address – but NHS guidance in England, Scotland and Wales is clear that not having these documents is not a valid reason to refuse a patient. For detailed insights into the health needs of asylum seekers and refugees residing in Bristol you can read this Bristol City Council report.
What is a ‘Safe Surgery?’
A Safe Surgery can be any GP practice which commits to taking steps to tackle the barriers faced by many migrants in accessing healthcare.
Safe Surgeries recognise the barriers to healthcare access that exist, particularly for migrants in vulnerable circumstances, and believe that small changes in practice can make a difference. They are willing to lead by example and work to ensure that nobody in their community is excluded.
What support is available for GP practices?
Doctors of the World supports GP practices to tackle the barriers to healthcare faced by people in vulnerable circumstances, especially migrants, people seeking sanctuary and refugees. Through its membership network of over 340 GP practices (and counting), it aims to spread and celebrate good practice in inclusive and welcoming primary healthcare.
Member practices receive free resources, training (where available), a regular newsletter with policy updates and good practice tips, links to a national network of practices, and access to expert advice from DOTW for complex entitlement issues.
How can I get involved in shaping this initiative?
Doctors of the World have set up a National Health Advisors Group to ensure that the Safe Surgeries Initiative is fit for purpose. The group is made up of migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum who have experience of facing barriers in accessing healthcare or are interested in promoting healthcare among migrant communities.
