Vulnerable Migrants: experiences of healthcare

Healthwatch Bucks conducted research to gather insight into health care experiences of vulnerable migrants, with the aim of highlighting the challenges these individuals face when trying to get care. In the period between 4 October and 18 December 2024, Healthwatch Bucks collected feedback from 28 vulnerable migrants via an online survey (n = 24), an online focus group (n = 3), and an in-depth interview (n = 1).

Two thirds of respondents said that they had been information about the health services available to them in the UK, and two thirds of respondents also reported that it was easy to register with a GP. However, due to differences in health care systems the report found that many vulnerable migrants only know what they are told, and what others from their community tell them. Not all respondents were aware of the of NHS checks or screening programmes. Lack of transport was an issue when visiting a GP or a hospital was noted as an issue. 

Less than 30% of respondents had seen a dentist in the UK, with lack of NHS patient opportunities being citing as a reason. Of those who had seen a dentist, 35%, did not have the treatment recommended by the dentist told them because of cost, waiting times or availability of treatment. Half of the respondents had been to an optician. There was a lack of awareness amongst some about how to see an optician and how to maintain ongoing access with a dentist. Over 80% of respondents had been to a hospital as an outpatient or to A&E, with over half of respondents saying the waiting times in A&E or waiting for a referral made the experience difficult.

Over two thirds of respondents felt they could speak or understand English well but nearly half said they could not read English well. Difficulty communicating with staff was reported as an issue at hospital as an outpatient or in A&E.

The report included five recommendations to Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board: ensure GP surgeries provide clear information to vulnerable migrants, including details on surgery staffing, Friends and Family Test, NHS app, NHS health checks and screening; ensure interpretation services are booked for appointments when needed; provide information in plain English for those who find reading English difficult; support NHS healthcare staff to increase understanding of issues around culture and health; and ensure dentists make people aware that becoming a patient “does not mean you have guaranteed access to an NHS dental appointment in the future.”

Two recommendations were also made to Buckinghamshire Council: include information on how to access eye care, links to a video on how the NHS works, services for children, and local community transport schemes into migrant health packs; and publicise the link to those dental practices in Bucks who are taking part in the flexible commissioning of primary care dentistry scheme.