Southwark GPs agree to stop asking new patients for ID

By Robert Firth, Local Democracy Reporter

GP surgeries in a borough will stop demanding people provide ID when registering, after officials found slavery victims were too scared to visit for fear of being kicked out of the UK.

Out of the 40 doctors surgeries in Southwark, 37 have so far agreed to see patients who don’t have proof of address or immigration status.

Labour-led Southwark council wrote to all GPs in the borough asking them to pledge to accept patients without the correct ID in September.

The letter said the council was aware some residents, including human trafficking victims and those fleeing war and persecution abroad, were avoiding registering with surgeries.

Some of these people were concerned their information would be shared with the Home Office if they registered, according to the letter penned by Southwark council leader Cllr Kieron Williams and cabinet member for health and well-being Cllr Evelyn Akoto.

The letter dated September 23 reads: “We know there are local residents that have been in the UK for many years without ever having seen a GP.

“Many of these people are in vulnerable circumstances and do not register because of fear that their details will be shared with the Home Office or because of administrative, language or other barriers.

“They include pregnant women, survivors of human trafficking and people who have fled war and persecution.”

Cllr Williams said: “Everyone living in the UK has the right to access a GP, without fear or worries, regardless of their immigration status. Sadly migrants often struggle to access the vital healthcare they are entitled to.”

Pictured top: Southwark council offices (Picture: Steven Craven)