A WORCESTERSHIRE doctor has shared an important message for refugees and asylum seekers in need of healthcare.

Doctor Jason Seewoodhary, a Worcester GP based at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, has issued a reminder of people's rights to healthcare.

He explained that everyone in the UK is entitled to register with a GP and receive primary care services free of charge, regardless of immigration status.

Dr Seewoodhary added: "Our county boasts a proud history of welcoming and supporting migrants and asylum seekers, who are an integral part of our successful multicultural and diverse community.

"I'm increasingly consulting with patients from migrant and asylum-seeking groups who are unsure of their rights in accessing healthcare in the UK.

"The health of our community is dependent on the health of each and every individual and I would like to reach out to patients from asylum-seeking and migrants groups, including those who have entered the UK illegally, to inform them of their rights to access healthcare."

Dr Seewoodhary explained that NHS guidance says all patients should be able to register with a GP without needing to provide any documents.

Registration cannot be declined if a person does not have proof of identification, address or immigration status.

However, he adds that it is common practice for GP practices to insist on identification and proof of address when registering patients.

"Your rights are reserved in this regard and you should insist that this is not necessary," he said.

There are few exceptions, for example, not everyone is entitled to free dental services and entitlement to secondary care or hospital services is more complex.

Certain services are free for everyone, such as treatment at emergency departments, treatment for certain infections such as HIV and TB, access to contraception and palliative care, as well as the treatment of mental health conditions related to torture, domestic abuse and sexual violence, and female genital mutilation.