For several months, @durgasiva9 has been based at a London hotel being used as short-term housing for asylum seekers, working in collaboration with the local health commissioner to ensure that people housed there have good access to healthcare.

She has some good news to share...

That’s 170 people who now have access to healthcare, many for the first time since arriving in the UK.

As we face the greatest public health challenge in recent history, it’s more important than ever that everyone in our community can see a doctor or nurse when they need to.

You may be wondering why we've started working in initial accommodation...

Well, healthcare access is typically very poor bc @ukhomeoffice doesn't require providers to link residents w. health services, meaning these vulnerable people can go for long periods cut out of the NHS.

@CommonsHomeAffs has described asylum seekers’ lack of access to health services as “deeply concerning”.

But @pritipatel @ukhomeoffice have so far failed to act on their recommendations, even as the threat of #COVID19 increases...

Read the full report: https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/2171/documents/20132/default/

@durgasiva9's work isn't over yet – already new asylum seekers with unmet health needs have been moved into the hotel. But it’s important to celebrate the small wins.

RT to share the great news that 170 people can now see a GP when they need to. #FridayFeeling #HandsUp4OurHealth