Primary Care services are frequently the first point of contact for people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable groups when they are faced with a health problem.
However, people experiencing homelessness may often face barriers to access, in addition to a lack of understanding as to their rights to care.
Pathway works with Primary Care providers to develop best practice guidance, regulatory awareness, and advice on how to best help vulnerable groups. We also advocate for and highlight the effectiveness of specialist Primary Care provision for people experiencing homelessness.
The Regulatory Framework
NHS England Patient Registration Guidance states that:
- Anybody in England may register and consult with a GP without charge.
- This includes asylum seekers and refugees, overseas visitors, students, people on work visas and those who are homeless, overseas visitors, whether lawfully in the UK or not.
- There is no regulatory requirement to prove identity, address or immigration status to register at a GP surgery.