Asylum seekers' needs go unmet

Asylum seekers and refugees in the capital are not getting the right care because primary care trusts are unaware of their distinct mental health needs, a report has found.

Mapping the Provision of Mental Health Services for Asylum Seekers and Refugees in London, commissioned by London's patient and public involvement mental health forums, found that only five of the city's 11 mental health trusts provided specialist services for the group. Refugees and asylum seekers are prone to depression and posttraumatic stress disorder and mental health often deteriorates when they are living in a host country.

The report also found that, 'with a handful of exceptions', relevant services located within PCTs are difficult to locate. PCT managers are reported to be unaware of which individuals or departments within their organisations have responsibility for refugees and asylum seekers.

At the same time, most affected people do not understand the mental health system or the treatments offered, have language difficulties in accessing services and face stigma within their own communities. Interpretation services are often inadequate.

Outside the NHS there are only a small number of organisations that provide appropriate services, although some examples of NHS good practice are highlighted.

The report recommends more training of health professionals about the needs of asylum seekers and refugees and more information on how to access appropriate services should be made available.

Each London strategic health authority has been asked to respond to the report's findings.

London PPIF mental health network chair Mike Loosley said: 'This is a damning indictment of the failure of London's NHS to provide adequate support to some of the world's most vulnerable citizens.'