§ Tony WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if Clause 25 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill will ensure that adequate provision is made for asylum seekers with special medical needs. [57995]
§ Beverley HughesAsylum seekers have access to national health service care in the same way as people who are settled here. Clause 26 (previously clause 25) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill contains a power to enable the Secretary of State to provide accommodation centre residents with facilities relating to health. Using this power, we intend to provide on-site primary health care to asylum seekers in accommodation centres.
Asylum seekers with special health needs will only be housed in accommodation centres if the on-site health care provider is equipped to deal with their needs or if it is possible make other arrangements that would still enable them to live at the centre. Each case will be considered on its merits.