A Sandhurst councillor says the NHS provides targeted healthcare for people resettled under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme in the Bracknell Forest area — but he’s not satisfied with the answers he’s had.
Cllr John Edwards submitted a freedom of information request to the Frimley Integrated Care Board (which covers Bracknell Forest) asking whether, in the past four years, “any health services have been provided, arranged, commissioned, facilitated or coordinated for individuals or households under any Afghan resettlement scheme outside of those individuals independently accessing routine NHS services via GP registration.”
He specifically asked: “This includes any on-site healthcare provision or arranged healthcare or referrals such as dental care, mental health support, outpatient treatment, health screening, maternity services or other clinical interventions.” And: “If so please state the type of healthcare provided and whether it was delivered on-site or arranged through referrals or commissioned services.”
The FOI was handled by NHS South, Central and West (SCW) on behalf of Frimley ICB. The NHS replied: “NHS Frimley ICB has a Vulnerable Migrants Temporary Accommodation Locally Commissioned Service (LCS). This includes arranged services for primary care, including the provision of on site where required and advanced health checks. “Payments to primary care for initial registration for a history of the patient. The payment also enables the practice to convene any other services as required.”
Cllr Edwards said: “ The NHS is still not being straightforward.
“While they confirmed the existence of this provision, they refused to answer the second question, instead using vague terms like ‘primary care’ and hiding behind phrases such as “includes”, without listing the actual services provided.
“This type of evasion is completely unacceptable, especially when it’s elected representatives asking legitimate questions on behalf of residents.
“It is also potentially breaking the Freedom of Information Act which requires public bodies to clearly communicated held information unless a lawful exemption applies.
“I am now going back to the NHS to require a full breakdown of exactly what healthcare services have been provided and at what cost.
“We can be a welcoming society that offers refuge and care to people in genuine need, but the extent of that care must be communicated clearly and it must never place them ahead of British people.”
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
