Border control in a healthcare setting is not in the public's best interests

Abstract

The past decade has witnessed a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment and populism, culminating in Brexit and the election of US President Donald Trump. Accompanying the xenophobic rhetoric of the UK media, a string of government policies have impeded access to healthcare for those not born in the UK.1 These include: the introduction of the National Health Service (NHS) surcharge for non-European Economic Area migrants who wish to stay in the UK for 6 months or longer; the introduction of upfront charging, due to be extended to primary care in the near future; and reports of identity checks at the door. In January this year, a formalized process that allows NHS Digital to pass individual demographic data, including a person's last known address, to the Home Office Immigration Enforcement Team was published.2 When patients hand over personal details in a healthcare setting there is an assumption that the confidentiality of these data will be protected. From its roots in the Hippocratic Oath to the current General Medical Council (GMC) guidance, confidentiality has long been a cornerstone of good medical practice. Allowing the Home Office access to this private space, even if it is only to obtain someone's name, violates the trust that is fundamental to effective health service provision.

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