Immigration and NHS now working together

Thought I'd share this information.

I entered the UK this February on my fiance visa, just long enough to give notice of intent to marry, then returned to the US.   I moved to York permanently last week.

A day after I moved in, I received a letter from a health visitor at a medical office in York, saying that she had scheduled an interview with me. It was quite surprising, as I had just moved in, and hadn't made any attempts to see a doctor.

I spoke to the health visitor over the phone, and she told me that when you enter the UK to settle, the Port Authority gives your information to the NHS, which then sets up an interview.  Because it is difficult for me to get to her office, she agreed to interview me over the phone.  She asked me about my vaccination history, including vaccinations for tuberculosis and hepatitis, whether I had ever been exposed to tuberculosis, how I was feeling at the moment, and exactly where I was from, to see if I was from a high-risk area (New York City, so no).

She was also very adamant that I register with a GP. I told her I was planning to do that anyway.  (There's a surgery a few doors down from where I live; I was planning to register there.)

I suppose the government wants to make sure that immigrants aren't bringing communicable diseases into the country.

I thought I'd post this, since I haven't heard of anyone else being contacted by NHS like this.  Since I originally entered on my fiance visa in February, the same time as they changed the rules for immigrants giving notice of marriage, I suppose it's just part of  a general crackdown.

My husband entered the country in the beginning of March and we went to get him registered at my GP's straight away, only to be told that he wasn't eligible for NHS treatment until he had NI number (not an NHS number) and could prove that he was working. He had only been in the country 2 days and he arrived on a Saturday.

After consulting with this board i went back and told them that their information was incorrect and even had to tell them where to phone to confirm what i was saying.

I guess if there is a new initiative between the NHS and Immigration service the lines of communication haven't reached London yet lol.

As usual the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing!

The NHS has been cool with me as far as GP's go. I've regularly received notices about getting a Pap smear (or cervical smear, as it's called here), etc. I think your partner's immigration status plays a big part in it. I know, from reading up on U.S. immigration requirements these days, that Andrew would have to have a complete physical before he could move to the States--so if you think it's tough here, bear in mind you--or your partner--didn't have to do that before moving here. The only thing the UK can be an a**hole about is allowing pets from the U.S. in, and I understand that's going to change--no more six-month quarantine.)

You did used to have a medical exam at the airport when you came in on a settlement visa to rule out any communicable diseases.  Wonder when they stopped that?

I moved here in June 2003 and I received a letter within about two weeks from a nurse practioner (I think that was what she was) asking me to come in for a health check (including a chest x-ray). I didn't respond because I was busy with my new job. Then one day I find a card in the post slot in the door stating that she had stopped by the house? I was shocked by that. I called the next day but got her answering machine and stated I was busy traveling for work. I never heard back.  I did register with my local surgery soon thereafter and had no problems with them taking me. Actually they didnt ask me any questions...just signed me on.

Julie

When I arrived in Manchester Airport on my fiance visa in February, the officer took down loads of information about me--my address in England, my fiance's name, age, occupation, our wedding date, etc.

I was quite surprised when I arrived again in April, and the officer waved me through without any questions.  He just reminded me that I had to reply for Leave to Remain after I got married.  I guess he saw by the stamp in my passport from February that I had already entered on the fiance visa once, so immigration had taken care of things then.

I entered officially in September of 2001, and nary a health check ws mentioned, and until after we were married in January, when  I visited the Doctor's but had to pay as a 'visiter' patient.   

Now that I think of this, with NHS working with immigration, doesn't this mean that people who have overstayed or are here otherwise illegally will be afraid to seek medical help when they are sick, and possibly contagious, for fear of being reported to immigration? We have a similar problem in the US.

you don't honestly think they are going to be THAT organised do you?  anyway, I'm sure people would just go to a hospital A&E and give a false name.

Just wondering,  as this has been a serious issue in the States.