The Royal College of General Practitioners has responded to the indication given in the Queen’s speech that GPs and other medical practitioners will be required to check the immigration status of people presenting themselves for consultations: âGPs must not be a new ‘border agency’â. (Ctrl+Click here to read their statement on Migrantsâ Rights Network)Â
The Chair of the Royal College, Â Dr Clare Gerada said:
“GPs must not be a new ‘border agency’ in policing access to the NHS. Whilst the health system must not be abused and we must bring an end to health tourism, it is important that we do not overestimate the problem and that GPs are not placed in the invidious position of being the new border agency.
“General Practice must remain the main access to health care within the NHS. GPs have a duty of care to all people seeking healthcare, and should not be expected to police access to healthcare and turn people away when they are at their most vulnerable. It is important to protect individuals and public health.”
The full statement can be found at http://www.rcgp.org.uk/news/gps-must-not-be-the-new-border-agency-in-policing-access-to-the-nhs.aspx