Our work with asylum seekers and refugees
Advanced Nurse Practitioner Paul has a solid background in refugee health and looking after the most vulnerable in our society.
When he heard about the arrival of more than 400 asylum seekers to York, speaking more than 15 different languages, he gave up a permanent post to come and help as part of Nimbuscare’s team.
“When I heard this was happening here in York, I was all over it like a rash!” he said. “There are doctors, dentist and people from all walks of life here - in reality these people are destitute. They may have a roof over their head for now, but they have no money to buy nappies, sanitary products, proper food and clothes.”
The project in York to support refugees and asylum seekers with healthcare started in December 2022 and Paul is part of the Nimbuscare team runs the service.
“Part of my role is a bit of a navigator as well. This country is likely to be home for the majority of people seeking asylum, so orientation of the healthcare system is important – it can be tough to navigate it!”
Dealing with past trauma is also very much part of his role. “It’s apparent how much previous trauma there is in our patients, so we have to try to see through the lens of that trauma, have a sensitive approach.
“The only way to do it is face to face – there’s a sense of being in the field where everything is portable,” he said.
Working as part of the Nimbuscare team, he says, is working well.
“The culture at Nimbuscare is different. Everyone is very collaborative, applying humanity and respect and minimising inequalities. The difference with Nimbuscare is that they aren’t afraid of hyper specialism. Here we are targeting a small group – general practice itself isn’t set up to do this - but here we can. Nimbuscare is identifying this, making it work and doing it well.”