Primary health care includes:
- Access to a GP
- Dental treatment
- Eyesight tests
- Family planning services
- Prescriptions
- Some mental health services
All children and families, whatever their immigration status, are able to access primary healthcare.
Everyone can register with a local GP. NHS guidance states that ‘all asylum seekers and refugees, students, people on work visas and those who are homeless, overseas visitors, whether lawfully in the UK or not, are eligible to register with a GP practice.’
Each GP practice has its own registration policy. In general, to register, you will need to provide your name and address, date of birth and NHS number (if you know it). Some GP surgeries will also ask to see proof of identity (such as a passport or driving licence) and proof of address, such as a bill. However, it is not necessary to have an NHS number before registering and there is no formal obligation to prove identity or immigration status to register with a practice.
Some people automatically qualify for help with health costs including:
- NHS prescriptions
- NHS dental treatment
- NHS-funded sight tests
- NHS wigs and fabric supports
- travel costs to and from hospital for NHS treatment
- vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses
Those eligible include:
- Children under 16 (under 18 for dental charges)
- Young people under 19 who are in full-time education
- Women who are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate
- People in receipt of certain benefits such as income support
- Asylum-seekers
- Anyone who is eligible for the NHS Low Income Scheme
If a separated child is supported by a local authority, the local authority should ensure that they are registered with a GP as soon as is practical. Their immigration status is not a barrier to them registering with a GP.
Regulation 7 of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations, 2010 requires that the local authority responsible for a looked after child should arrange for an initial assessment of their physical and mental health and provide a written report of the assessment within 20 working days from when the child started to be looked after.
If you’re not happy with an NHS service, you can make a complaint. Complaints should be made to the person or organisation providing the service first, such as the GP, dentist, hospital or pharmacist. Alternatively, it is possible complain to the commissioner of that service – either NHS England (www.england.nhs.uk) or the area clinical commissioning group (CCG).
In general, NHS England commissions most primary care services, such as GP and dental services. CCGs oversee the commissioning of secondary care, such as hospital care and some community services.
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters. It can help resolve concerns or problems with using the NHS. The nearest PALS office can be found on the NHS Choices website: www.nhs.uk .
Doctors of the World runs a clinic and advocacy programme in east London that provides medical care, information and practical support to vulnerable people, helping them access the healthcare they need. They offer free and confidential support whatever the individual’s status or location. See http://doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/pages/london-clinic for more information.
