PRESS RELEASE: 10th September 2021
Alliance for Better Care has worked in partnership with West Sussex County Council and CCG, SASH, and local charities and interpreters, to rapidly provide additional medical support to newly-arrived refugees in local quarantine hotels. ABC have been supporting the quarantine hotels since February and were immediately struck by the level of need and were keen to help with clinical and welfare needs.
With very little notice, the team mobilized a team of GPs, Midwives and practice staff who were able to carry out medical assessments and provide prescribed medications while also working closely with the Council and hotel management to ensure a safe and secure environment for all involved.
One of the local charities on hand to help was Stripey Stork, who were able to provide much needed baby equipment, toys and packs for pregnant Mums.
Katherine Saunders, ABC Chief Executive said:
“It has been a privilege to help these people during such a time of need and we want to provide a similar response as and when more people are placed locally. We’ve been overwhelmed with how those working in our practices have wanted to give up their time to support this response. We are continuing to provide support for the quarantine hotels and for any refugees placed in the local area and so we are now proactively asking medical professionals who are keen to assist with the project going forward to get in touch.”
At present, each hotel has a healthcare professional on site 24 hours to offer advice and support to those staying at the hotel. ABC’s GPs are available between 8am-8pm to liaise with the HCPs, provide remote consultations with patients and a visiting service where necessary.
The team are looking for staff who would be interested in the hotel-based HCP role. The ideal candidate would be:
- Band 5 or above nurse / paramedic / PA
- Experienced in working independently
- Experienced with working with patients with a wide range of needs some complex
- Keen for a new challenge
- Compassionate and enthusiastic
The team would also be looking for more senior clinicians (band 6 +) to offer oversight and co-ordination with potential to go to longer-stay locations for migrants and refugees to provide initial health screening.
Medical professionals who are keen to help are asked to express their interest.
Stripey Stork recently set up a dedicated appeal to coordinate a response to the specific needs identified by the British Red Cross for children arriving from Afghanistan to the south of England. You can find out more about their work at stripeystork.org.uk
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