NHS Dorset wants to reassure people living in Weymouth and Portland that healthcare arrangements announced for residents of Bibby Stockholm in July will remain in place for those asylum seekers shortly re-embarking and those who will soon be arriving for the first time.
This means 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 continue to be staffed 5 days a week, providing a GP service with which the asylum seekers will register, this means they will not register with a local practice.
Care will be available to residents of 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:
- 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.
Following a tendering process, we have appointed a provider to deliver pharmacy items 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.
