Write to your MP on access to NHS care for refused asylum seekers

Medact and Medsin have been campaigning for access to free NHS services for refused asylum seekers for a little over four years. 

The recent court of appeal ruling has resulted in new guidance from the Department of Health.

This guidance makes some welcome concessions however we believe the principle of charging people who we know are unable to pay for treatment is unjust and inhumane.

We are asking you to write to your MP to urge them to support any amendment which would allow refused asylum seekers free access to secondary healthcare.

It is important that your letter makes clear the ethical and practical problems the current regulations place on clinicians, including the impact of refusing treatment to people unable to pay. Most MPs will not be aware of the possible health implications of the current policy so an explanation is simple laymans language from a health professional will allow them if they choose to make reasoned argument in support of the amendment.

It is important however that for maximum impact your letter should be personal and express your own thoughts and concerns.

 a briefing paper drafted with the Still Human Still Here coalition that explains the situation in more detaila short information sheet with guidance on how to write to your MP.

Available to download are