Surgery will 'do it's best' to treat asylum seekers living at hotel

A surgery in Herefordshire has reassured residents using its services local care 'is not affected' by asylum seekers.

It's as Ryeland Surgery in Leominster has been asked to provide medical care for the families being housed at the Talbot Hotel in the town.

On their Facebook page, they say:

"The refugees are likely to be in Leominster for many months and we look forward to getting to know them over time and working with other services and the voluntary sector to meet their needs. "

The surgery also say that extra capacity will be provided for the work to take place - meaning care for local residents isn't affected.

According to reports, housing asylum seekers in hotels whilst they wait for their applications to be processed costs £6 million a day.

Locally, asylum seekers are currently also being accommodated in the Three Counties Hotel in Hereford.

Herefordshire Council say the county has a 'proud history of welcoming and supporting asylum seekers.'

Upon announcement of the Talbot Hotel being used from yesterday (8 August), the council released a statement. It reads:

"The council was not involved in this arrangement and will not be involved in running the site or providing day-to-day support, all of which will be managed by the Home Office’s contractor, Serco.

"However, the council will be working closely with Serco, local partners and the community and voluntary sector to ensure appropriate help and wellbeing support is in place for those coming to the county and to respond to any matters raised by businesses and residents.

"Asylum seekers will be accommodated on a full-board basis within the property. There will be support on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, along with security staff, and this is all being funded by the Home Office."

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