A BRAND new GP practice for refugees, asylum seekers, travellers and homeless people in Harrow was officially opened by Harrow Mayor Councillor Paddy Lyne and Harrow PCT Chief Executive Andrew Morgan on Monday.

The Butler Avenue Access Unit has been set up to ensure those who have experienced difficulty registering with a GP have proper, regular access to medical care. It will be able to take up to 1,500 new patients who are not currently registered with a local GP.

Maureen Jani, Practice Manager of the Unit said:"The Unit will assess patients' health needs and provide them with medical treatment, to make the process smooth for the patient, we can arrange for an interpreter to be present. One of our main aims is to help patients understand the NHS system, as their expectations, particularly if they are new arrivals to Harrow and the UK, may be different to reality."

"We have been working with community organisations and health care providers to ensure as many people as possible are aware of our services. We've been met with great enthusiasm and are looking forward to helping patients with complex health and social care needs, integrating them into the NHS system."

Harrow PCT Chief Executive Andrew Morgan said: "Harrow PCT is committed to meeting the health needs of Harrow's diverse population.

"I am delighted to launch this valuable facility for hard-to-reach groups, which will make a real difference to people who have previously been unable to access health services."