improving government service delivery to minority ethnic ... - NCCRI

Case Example 12 – Health
Initiative for Asylum Seekers
180_www.nrcemh.
nhsscotland.com,
telephone:
+44 (0)141 300 1057.
Primary Care Services in Glasgow for Asylum Seekers
Asylum Seekers who arrive in Glasgow through NASS (National Asylum Support Services) are entitled to the
same health care system as the indigenous population, although additional services might be required such as
interpreting.
Within two days of arrival in Glasgow, asylum seekers receive a Welcome Pack which explains how they can
access medical and dental services in the city which are provided by the Primary Care Division. Included in this
information is the name and address of the GP who will have already been sent information about the asylum
seeker.
Asylum seekers are asked to attend their designated GP in the days after their arrival in the city, and the GP
will be expecting him/her to visit their practice premises. When the family registers with the GP, a health visitor
assess the family’s needs and refers them, as requested, to other services.
Currently 36 GP practices and associated staff are providing this service throughout the city. This multi-agency
approach was the first of its kind in Britain.
Case Example 13 – Health
Gypsy/Traveller Initiative 180
NRCEMH, in consultation with Gypsy/Travellers have developed a Patient Record of Personal Health which is
a handheld record to be carried by the individual. It is hoped that this will greatly improve the continuity of care
for Gypsy/Travellers and that, in turn, this will have a significant impact on the inequalities of health experienced
by Gypsy/Travellers.
The hand-held record system will only be successful if Gypsy/Travellers make use of it and if is readily accepted
by the NHS. Training is being offered training on the use of hand-held records to NHS staff and other NHS
partners.