Haringey’s homeless and migrant communities denied healthcare access

A report has found that lack of ID or proof of address prevents patients from registering, despite NHS guidance stating that this shouldn’t be a barrier

A new report has revealed that homeless and migrant communities have been denied GP access in Haringey.

The Healthwatch Haringey report details how GPs around Haringey routinely require ID or proof of address for patients to register – despite NHS guidance stating that there is no requirement to prove identity, address, immigration status or provide an NHS number.

To carry out the report, Healthwatch Haringey and Haringey Welcome partnered with the NHS, Haringey Council and Doctors of the World, recording the numbers of Haringey GPs who will accept a patient without ID. The investigation was carried out via a mystery shopping telephone survey and in-person visits.

Out of a total 39 surgeries, 24 claimed they needed to see proof of address, while 30 said they needed ID for patients to register. 39 GPs were visited in-person: 20 required proof of address; 20 required ID; one would not answer questions; and one was closed out of the surgeries surveyed.

Healthwatch Haringey chair, Sharon Grant OBE, said: “It is in all our interests that everyone in our community has access to a GP, whoever they are. GP’s are the front door to the NHS. It’s clear from our checks that some GP practices have been wrongly applying rules and creating obstacles for some. We hope that those practices will now work with us to ensure that everyone can register as patients in future.”

A public event will be held on Thursday, 18th May where partners will report their findings. Councillors Lucia Das Neves, Haringey cabinet member for health, social care and wellbeing, and Pippa Connor, chair of adults and health scrutiny panel, will be attending the event.

Miri Weingarten, spokesperson for Haringey Welcome, said: “We hope GP practices can learn to see themselves as welcoming, safe spaces for migrants, rather than as gatekeepers. Access to primary healthcare is a basic lifesaving need that everyone is entitled to regardless of status. Migrants and refugees who are currently facing more challenges than ever before as a result of the hostile environment need us to do better.”

Cllr Lucia das Neves, cabinet member for health, social care and wellbeing, said: “I welcome this report from Healthwatch Haringey, which we’ve been pleased to support since its inception. Sadly, I am not surprised by some of the findings, which reinforce what I have heard anecdotally from local communities about the barriers they face in accessing primary care. I hope this report and the work Healthwatch and other partners are doing with GP practices will improve access and promote awareness of our residents’ rights. As proud signatories of the Haringey Welcome pledge, we work closely with community organisations, through our Welcome Advisory Board, to ensure migrants and refugees are welcomed in our borough. Accessing healthcare is a key part of that.”

North Central London ICB has been approached for comment.

Local news needs your support

We are proud that we were at the forefront of reporting on the recent local elections. We can’t do this without the support of our readers.

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.