TAKE ACTION: Contact your MP to make enable vulnerable migrants to access healthcare
Written by Jonny Currie, about 1 year ago | Permalink | Campaign: Medsin Entitlement Campaign
LOBBY your MP on the Health Bill
Medsin has been working on access to NHS services for vulnerable migrants for more than eighteen months now.
The recent Court of Appeal ruling has resulted in new guidance from the Department of Health on “failed asylum seekers /ordinary / lawful residence” (http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Lettersandcirculars/Dearcolleagueletters/DH_097384). The guidance makes some welcome concessions, however, we believe the principle of charging people who are unable to pay for treatment is inhumane, poor public health policy and in the end unworkable.
What are we asking you to do?
We are asking supporters to write to their MPs urging them to support any amendment which would allow refused asylum seekers free access to secondary healthcare without charge until they leave the UK. If you are a health professional (or in training) is important that your letter, where possible, makes clear the ethical and practical problems from a professional perspective. Please note this guidance relates to secondary and not primary care.
It is important that for maximum impact your letter should be personal and express your own thoughts and concerns and go to your constituency MP. You can find out who they are by visiting www.theyworkforyou.com.
Time is tight as the amendment is likely to tabled for debate on June the 8th. Please try to post your letters tomorrow or early next week, if at all possible.
If you visit the Medact website, you will find supporting documents to help you formulate your letter - http://www.medact.org/article_refugee.php?articleID=877.
We'd be grateful if you could forward this message on to others. Please get in touch if you have any questions.
Defend Primary Healthcare Campaign access@medsin.org
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