Safe Surgeries
Breaking down barriers to primary care
Many migrants and refugees are turned away when they try to register with a GP. Others fear being charged or reported to immigration services. These barriers can stop people from getting basic healthcare, often until they are very unwell.
The Safe Surgeries initiative, led nationally by Doctors of the World, helps GP practices remove these barriers and create welcoming, inclusive environments. South London Listens has worked with NHS partners to spread this model across our boroughs, so no one is left without access to care.
“It’s brilliant that the Safe Surgeries scheme is being implemented, but I think it’s really important that this continues and is rolled out to all GP practices, if possible, as it really makes a huge difference to those individual patients.”
What we do
Promote best practice: Encourage GP practices to sign up to the Safe Surgeries scheme and commit to inclusive registration.
Train staff: Support frontline NHS staff to understand migrant health rights and provide care without fear or discrimination.
Share resources: Provide toolkits and practical guidance for practices, ensuring policies are clear and consistent.
Raise awareness: Work with local community groups so migrants and refugees know their rights and where they can safely access services.
Progress so far
More than double the number of Safe Surgeries across south London since 2021.
Both South East and South West London ICBs have committed to growing the model further.
Dozens of practice staff trained, with positive feedback on improving patient access and staff confidence.
Next steps
Expand the number of accredited Safe Surgeries in every borough.
Strengthen links between GP practices and local migrant community groups.
Share learning across London and nationally.