Access to health care for people seeking asylum in the UK.

Abstract

This was an email received by an organisation providing assistance to asylum seekers from a community worker, concerned about one of her clients: ‘… I have a client who is now 22 weeks pregnant whose appeal for asylum was rejected last year, I understand on grounds of being 2 days overdue in her application. She is very vulnerable, has no partner, speaks little English, has no means of income, and is living in very poor conditions in a ‘flat’ above a derelict factory in Hackney. The premises has no electricity, or hot water, and is not secure from the outside. She ‘shares’ the flat with other families, seemingly of similar status, though many have left since the recent electricity disconnection. I am gravely concerned about her welfare, and that of her unborn baby.’ Under new government proposals this lady may not be entitled to receive free antenatal care within the NHS, nor to deliver in hospital without incurring the costs, unless it is in the emergency department. Her child, though it will be born in Britain, may not be eligible for neonatal or child health care. People of many countries now make their home in the UK. Refugees and asylum seekers come in search of protection from persecution in their countries of origin. Economic migrants come hoping to make a living. Nationals from the European Economic Area may settle here. But the welcome offered to the new arrivals is not an equal one. A person's residency status will determine their entitlement to welfare, health and social provision. ### Ordinary resident A person is regarded as ‘ordinarily resident’ if he or she is living in the UK for a settled purpose. This usually means work or study. This is the status that applies to most citizens of the EU residing in the UK. ### Refugee A …

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