Asylum Seekers and Refugees Statement

At Provide Community our core mission is to provide high-quality, compassionate, and accessible healthcare to all members of our community. For many years, we have been providing healthcare services to some of the most vulnerable people in our community. This includes delivering inclusive services to asylum seekers and refugees, recognising that they are a vulnerable population with specific and complex health needs. We are committed to ensuring they receive the care and dignity they are entitled to, in line with legal frameworks and our ethical duty of care. We are sharing this information with the public to ensure transparency and understanding. 

Guiding principles for service delivery

1. Impartial access: we believe that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right. Asylum seekers and refugees, like all residents, are entitled to free NHS care. We actively work to remove institutional barriers, such as confusion over documentation, to ensure they can register with our services promptly and without discrimination.
2. Trauma-informed and compassionate care: many refugees and asylum seekers have experienced significant trauma, persecution, and difficult journeys. Our colleagues are trained to deliver trauma-informed care with cultural sensitivity, respecting diverse backgrounds and building trust. We ensure that our approach is compassionate and that patients feel safe and understood.
3. Confidentiality and safety: we maintain strict patient confidentiality and work to build trust with asylum seekers and refugees who may be fearful of authorities. We assure patients that their personal and medical information will not be shared with immigration enforcement.
4. Public health responsibility: supporting asylum seekers and refugees is a vital part of our broader public health strategy. By ensuring timely medical care, including vaccinations and screenings, we help prevent illnesses from spreading and ensure the well-being of the wider community. 

To fulfil this commitment, we will:

• Ensure all colleagues are trained on the legal entitlements of asylum seekers and refugees and are equipped to handle any registration or treatment issues.
• Provide professional interpreting services to overcome language barriers and enable effective communication during consultations, and ensure resources and information are available in multiple languages.
• Foster strong collaborative partnerships with local authorities and voluntary organisations to improve coordinated service delivery.
• Utilise innovative solutions to improve accessibility, particularly for patients in isolated accommodations.
• Actively contribute to a healthcare system that is better able to meet the needs of those seeking sanctuary. 

We will continue to evolve our services based on the needs of our patients and the best available evidence. Our commitment to care, compassion, and excellence extends to every person in our community, including those who have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety.