Disabled people and carers in the asylum system are being denied safety, dignity and compassion because they can’t get the health care they need.
The Poverty Alliance have published new #RightsInAction research, uncovering examples of people being placed in unsafe housing, facing delays and confusion in getting health and social care, and getting little or no formal support – despite many having serious health and care needs.
One woman was sent to Scotland after being forced to leave her family and seek protection alone in the UK. In her home country she had been treated for ovarian cancer, but when she arrived in Scotland, she faced real difficulties getting in touch with her GP.
After being recognised as a refugee by the Home Office many years later, she had to move to different accommodation and to a different GP. It was only then that she was referred to hospital for investigation of pain she was feeling. She was diagnosed with a brain tumour and Multiple Sclerosis.
Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance, said: “Everyone in Scotland deserves dignity, safety and compassion. People on low incomes often feel cut off from the health and social care support they need – and this research shows the problem can be even greater for people in the asylum system.
“It is wrong that disabled people and carers can be left without the most basic support they need to live their lives.”
I’m sad to say that it is not only people who are disabled and in the asylum system, Its many disabled who are generally getting a dreadful service or none. Edinburgh is my home and the council is totally unashamed of trying to push disable people into what is not necessary for them .It took 8 years to get repairs done I was moved into a flat so it would be better for me But the nightmare began when i moved in and everything kept breaking done,plaster fell off of walls A simple ‘reasonable adjustment’ of wearing a mask in my home for my safety is often ignored and if they have a mask its useless and not suitable or so used that it is dangerous .I was asked by a plumber if the mask I gave (they cost£1 each x I’m on a strict budget) him was ‘infected’?? I could give examples across all of Edinburgh so if you are an asylum seeker many time people have to suffer racism on top of the lack of care .!!Its disgraceful .Ryanair for instance tells passengers what ‘reasonable adjustment ‘ they are getting Not asking what is needed There are 3 suggestions for assistance and none that explain all people or allow people to say what is needed!!! Its all over in other words and nobody gives a care except possibly during the vote collecting during the forthcoming Parliamentary voting ???Then 0