Quote:
Originally Posted by TheOriginalMe
Have you tried the Citizens Advice Bureau, they will be able to tell you what your options are for housing and health, they will also have lists of contacts for support groups in your area. Have you been to a GP about your health problem, if not you should be able to get an appointment sooner than December (it is usually about a week for a GP appointment in the UK). If your GP has already referred you to a specialist then December is within the 18 week limit for an appointment (this only applies for physical health, there are no minimum standards for mental health  ). However, if you are waiting for a specialist appointment and are still having problems then go back to you GP or call NHS 111 who can advise you whether you need to go to A&E.
Hope this advice helps with the more practical of the problems, I'm sorry you've had such a traumatic life and I hope being in the UK finally helps you find some peace. |
Hi and thanks for the reply Theoriginalme
My husband and I have visited the citizens advice bureau last year. Unfortunately because I did not originate from an EU country my rights are a bit limited here, my visa requirements are a bit stricter than theirs. Basically my husband and I do not have the rights to access any sort of public fund/assistance. (Which I would feel awkward about doing)This includes any sort of housing assistance, sliding scale sort of counselling, help with council tax, going to the job centre is also using public funds so I read as I am utilizing workers time that are paid by the government. I can understand these regulations for newcommers, even if they apply to just non EU.
As far as the GP I've not made an appointment, right now I can't afford to. They passed an immigration health care act in July iirc that effects non EU and since I do not have my third visa approved I don't have access to free health care anymore so I am waiting until December to begin to make appointments when I get permanent residency. Unfortunately I may need to go beyond a GP appointment (I am showing signs of insulin resistance despite being healthy weight and having dizzy spells and almost fainting when bending over or turning my head right even when in bed -likely problems with my fused vertebrae.) which will be very costly.
NHS: Immigrants to pay £200 a year to see doctor but critics fear even more pressure on A&E - Mirror Online
NHS to charge non-EU patients 150% of cost of treatment | Society | The Guardian (This will be starting next year)
AE is charged as well. A couple years ago I walked or rather was wheelchaired out of the AE after hearing a stay to determine if I needed a blood transfusion was going to be an estimated 2,500-3,000. I couldn't afford that, again I needed 1,800 for the second visa to be here. Nor can you owe the NHS money or you will be denied staying here. (Not even a payment plan) I had the nurses undo the saline in my arm and told them I had to leave. I recovered in bed at home for the next month.
Right now I don't have 200 spare, all our money is being saved for the cost of the next visa and to show we have savings. Even with the 200 charge they do not guarantee to cover some treatment. It is easier for me to wait a few months more after I shell out another 1,800+ on my last visa then make an appointment in December. (If my visa is approved.)
Unfortunately the cost of being here/the rules of being non EU can work against people in difficult situations. But those are the rules so they must be followed.
I hope life gets better here too, thank you