HEALTH CARE FOR IMMIGRANTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: HOW IS THE BRITISH SYSTEM PREPARED FOR SERVICING PATIENTS WHO ARE FOREIGNERS?

Abstract

The article presents solutions that enable access to British health care system by foreigners. The migration situation and health care system in the UK is presented. The actions that have been taken to ensure foreigners get access to medical care are described. According to the law, the Primary Care is free for all patients staying in the UK. Secondary Care is free for patients with ordinary residents status, people who have access to healthcare on the basis of international agreements or immigration health surcharge. In order to enable the use of medical care, for non-English speakers, telephone interpretation is commonly used. The Equality and Diversity Council is dealing with problems related to equal access to medical care. Actions taken in the UK can be a reference point in searching for solutions that can be introduced in Poland to ensure equal access to medical care for foreigners.