Public health

Responding to the needs of Ukrainian refugees

• The conflict in Ukraine has displaced millions of people, creating a new refugee crisis. With the war continuing, primary care clinicians need to be aware of how they can help to support refugees.

WiseGP actions:

1. Ensure staff are aware of printable resources in Ukrainian and Russian on how the NHS works. https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/translated-health-information

2. On registration check immunisation status, offer screening for infectious diseases (TB, hepatitis and HIV [when indicated]). Discuss chronic disease management, screening processes and assess for mental health conditions. E-learning resources are available to support post-war mental health care for Ukrainian adults and children. https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/international/humanitarian-resources/ukraine-crisis-resources

Ensure your social prescriber is aware of local and national support organisations for Ukrainians and refugees.

• The Ukrainian Medical Association of the United Kingdom: https://www.facebook.com/groups/umauk

• The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain: https://www.augb.co.uk

• Ukrainian Institute London: https://ukrainianinstitute.org.uk

• British-Ukrainian Aid: https://british-ukrainianaid.org

For further information on this topic, look at our WiseGP newsletter titled “Healthcare for all” or the article which informed this GEM below.

https://bjgp.org/content/72/719/274#ref-9