The NHS England Asylum Health National pilot is based in Greater Manchester.
The project has the following core aims;
• To address health inequalities by improving health outcomes for people who are seeking asylum in Greater Manchester
• To ensure that the project and all emerging good practice models are co-designed and delivered with people who have lived experience of the asylum system
• To support the provision of access to and clear information about appropriate healthcare services for people seeking asylum in Greater Manchester
• To improve confidence and knowledge amongst professionals and patients about entitlement to healthcare and wider support for people seeking asylum, particularly in primary care
• To develop a dynamic and sustainable Directory of Services for use both by people who are seeking asylum and health professionals with whom they work
• To explore ‘good practice’ service models such as care navigators, holistic support, buddies, mentors and helpers.
• To report on findings and recommendations for configuring and commissioning asylum health services, to inform policy and practice in Greater Manchester and nationally, including contributing to the implementation of the Devolution agenda in Greater Manchester
Urban Village Medical Practice, a local practice with an outstanding CQC rating has been approached to host and manage the work of the pilot. The practice has been offering full registration and access to primary care to homeless people including asylum seekers, sex workers and people in recovery from drug and alcohol misuse for the last 20 years.
An engagement event is being held for people seeking asylum on Saturday 23 April 2016, 10.30am to 2.30pm at Urban Village Medical Practice, Ancoats Primary Care Centre, Old Mill Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6EE.
The aim of the event will be to raise awareness of the work of the pilot, invite people with lived experience to be involved for the duration of the pilot, and to seek stories of positive and challenging experiences of the health system.
People who work at agencies supporting people who have experience of seeking asylum are invited to attend.
For further information, contact Seb O’Connor, on 0161 272 5652, or email: sebastian.o'[email protected]