Wolverhampton health service has been honoured with civic awards for going “over and above” to support refugees in the city.
Thornley Street GP Surgery was recognised with a ‘Showing Compassion’ Award by the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Refugee Residents and the Homelessness and Migration Team – Public Health.
The team, which received glass trophies, were honoured at a special awards ceremony recognising Refugee Week Awards and Performances hosted by Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, the Mayor of Wolverhampton at the City Suite at the Civic Centre.
This highlighted the support and compassion shown by partners and providers to recognise the people, departments and organisations which have gone over and above to enable the city to be a place of welcome and safety to so many refugees.
Thornley Street Surgery was chosen for making Wolverhampton a place of safety and sanctuary for new residents to the UK. It has set up registration processes, triage and support for specific conditions, such as pregnancy, along with publicity and engagement to help asylum seekers access healthcare.
At the practice, Dr Anna Stone GP works with The Solace Community – which provides advice and temporary accommodation for vulnerable individuals with underlying health conditions – and is supported by Ann Harper, Reception Lead, and Lisa O’Sullivan, Deputy Practice Manager.
Dr Stone said: “I feel very honoured to have the work here and in the RWT PCN recognised by the city, and colleagues I have been working with in Wolverhampton Place.
“It reaffirms the importance of Primary Care in supporting this population and also the importance of working alongside others, and with the residents of Wolverhampton.
“My colleagues and I have worked hard to support the new arrivals to the UK access the healthcare they need, and provide the care they require.”
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to oversee such amazing collaborative work that is really making a difference to the lives of refugees.”
Wolverhampton recognised the week with performances by the council’s choir, Ukrainian nationals, a former Syrian refugee and St Luke’s Church of England Aided Primary School, Stowlawn Primary School and Goldthorn Park Primary School.
Also in attendance were schools, landlords, charities, housing providers, residents and community members.
Pupils from city primary schools entered a competition to write a story on the themes of refugees and compassion and winner Arah Ahmed read out his story.
