NHS Dorset wants to reassure people living in Weymouth and Portland that their NHS services will remain the same following the arrival of the Bibby Stockholm in Portland Port.
We have heard your concerns about the impact on local health services and would like to reassure you that the arrangements we have in place will mean your access to NHS care will not change.
The Home Office has provided additional funding which we have used to commission a team from Bournemouth that has previous experience working with asylum seekers.
The medical facility on the barge will be staffed five days a week to provide a GP led service with which the asylum seekers will register, this means they will not register with a local practice.
This team will provide care which will be available to residents of the Bibby Stockholm either on the barge itself between the hours of 9am-5pm, or remotely (including outside of these hours).
Access to translation services is in place and this has been shared with local services so that asylum seekers can be redirected back to the medical facility on the barge should they need help.
Medical provision will include:
- Qualified senior healthcare professional such as advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) or paramedic (4/5 days per week) – onsite – 9am – 5pm
- GP onsite (one day per week) – onsite – 9am – 5pm
- Remote access to GP consultations when onsite care is unavailable or needs additional support.
We are currently going through a tendering process to have pharmacy items delivered to the barge when required.
Those living onboard Bibby Stockholm experiencing oral pain can seek assistance with the appointed health care provider. If urgent dental treatment is required, this will be accessed via the non-emergency 111 number.
Further details about Bibby Stockholm can be found via the Home Office website.
