Последние Новости от LS Legal Solicitors
Proof of Immigration Status will now be Required at your Next Doctors Appointment
Thursday 2nd November 2017
A nationwide "Passport Policy" has now been implemented through NHS services in the UK. The Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt, has put together a new policy which will have the NHS checking the immigration status of patients before treating them. It is part of an action on the Government's behalf to reduce the impact of 'medical tourism' on the NHS services but it will also affect many people with precarious immigration situations.
Hospitals and General Practitioners are now required to identify those that are not "eligible for free care." They will then have to charge them for procedures upfront prior to the treatment being provided.
This process was trialled through 2017 and the policy went nationwide at the end of October 2017. The process of identifying who has the 'right' to NHS services will affect everyone accessing it. The policy has been heavily criticised by Doctors who pointed out they are medical professionals, not border guards and they have a duty of care to their patients.
This now means that if you do not have valid leave in the UK, you could be denied medical care that is not deemed emergency or life-saving. Should you be refused, you should seek medical assistance from a private doctor, whom you will have to pay to use such services.
If you wish to regularise your stay in the UK so you are not denied the use of the NHS services, please do contact us for a no-obligation consultation. Contact us by e-mail info@LSLegaLUK.com or by phone +447535959450 and we would be happy to assist you.