Government clarity needed on illegal immigrant NHS care

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd Aug 2006

Commenting on criticisms that the system to ensure illegal immigrants do not receive free NHS care is unworkable, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Sandra Gidley MP said:

"Hospitals don't want to turn away people in need but are being put in a very difficult position by a lack of clarity from the Government under which circumstances failed asylum seekers should receive free NHS care.

"The Government has failed to produce evidence that those who are ineligible for free care are draining the NHS's resources. We must be wary of scapegoating some of the most vulnerable people and fuelling prejudice."