International Journal of Health Services
Volume 45, Issue 2, 2015, Pages 320-333

Experiences among undocumented migrants accessing primary care in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study (Article)

Poduval S. , Howard N. , Jones L. , Murwill P. , McKee M. , Legido-Quigley H.*
  • a London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1, United Kingdom
  • b London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1, United Kingdom
  • c London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1, United Kingdom
  • d London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1, United Kingdom
  • e London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1, United Kingdom
  • f London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1, United Kingdom

Abstract

Immigration is a key political issue in the United Kingdom. The 2014 Immigration Act includes a number of measures intended to reduce net immigration, including removing the right of non-European Economic Area migrants to access free health care. This change risks widening existing health and social inequalities. This study explored the experiences of undocumented migrants trying to access primary care in the United Kingdom, their perspectives on proposed access restrictions, and suggestions for policymakers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 undocumented migrants and four volunteer staff at a charity clinic in London. Inductive thematic analysis drew out major themes. Many undocumented migrants already faced challenges accessing primary care. None of the migrants interviewed said that they would be able to afford charges to access primary care and most said they would have to wait until they were much more unwell and access care through Accident & Emergency (A&E) services. The consequences of limiting access to primary care, including threats to individual and public health consequences and the additional burden on the National Health Service, need to be fully considered by policymakers. The authors argue that an evidence-based approach would avoid legislation that targets vulnerable groups and provides no obvious economic or societal benefit. © The Author(s) 2015.

Author Keywords

Access to primary health care Qualitative study Migrants the UK

Index Keywords

legislation questionnaire survey law health risk London [England] human immigration volunteer health status policy Great Britain national health service qualitative research human rights socioeconomic conditions Humans migrant psychology male England case report staff semi structured interview female qualitative analysis social welfare health services health care legislation and jurisprudence thematic analysis migration emergency health service United Kingdom Transients and Migrants Health Services Accessibility primary health care public health health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84940645713&doi=10.1177%2f0020731414568511&partnerID=40&md5=779788db51c289e45e68f34d63bd20ef
DOI: 10.1177/0020731414568511
ISSN: 00207314
Cited by: 17
Original Language: English