Overseas Visitors
A 32-year-old Indian lady who has traveled to the UK to have a holiday with her sister, is ordinarily a resident in London. Two days after her arrival she attends the Accident and Emergency department (A&E) with abdominal pain. Staff discover she is 9 months pregnant and that the baby has congenital heart problems. It later transpires that the visiting sister knew this and chose to travel to the UK to receive the best care for her child. Although she is aware she will have to pay, she concealed her pregnancy so that the airline would allow her to fly.
A 56-year-old gentleman who has also traveled to the UK for a holiday is visiting from Russia. Whilst on holiday he slips down an escalator and breaks his ankle in three places. The orthopedic team feel he needs urgent surgery on his ankle.
A 24-year-old Australian who has developed a urinary tract infection whilst is traveling around the UK. She would like to make an appointment with a GP for assessment and treatment.
- What care are visitors entitled to on the NHS?
- What is the role of the healthcare professional in assessing entitlement to NHS care?
- How is the tension between the professional and moral duties of healthcare professionals to assist those in need, and to act as ‘gatekeeper’ to NHS treatment, resolved?
Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)
Clinical Ethics and Law, Second edition. Carolyn Johnston, Penelope Bradbury, Series editor: Janice Ryme
