Dr Rosie RileyThe UK-wide vaccine roll out is in full swing. Hospitals, GP surgeries, convention centres, arenas and even some pharmacies are now set up and racing to inoculate us against the fast-spreading Covid-19.
Alongside this incredible national effort, we have an important opportunity. Over the coming months, healthcare professionals may be accessing individuals who have not encountered health services before or who have controlled and restricted access. Victims and survivors of modern slavery human trafficking (MSHT) are often prevented from seeking healthcare unless for life-threatening reasons or for something impacting on their ability to work and therefore earn money for their traffickers, such as pregnancy, injury, or severe infection.
With the vaccine being offered to anyone in the UK who wants it, there is potential for our NHS staff to encounter those at risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation, forced labour, financial exploitation, criminal exploitation and “county lines”, domestic servitude or forced marriage.
Dr Jane Hunt (@janehun25620139), VITA Network committee member, GP and senior medical advisor within the Helen Bamber Foundation has recently co-authored a BMJ article, titled “Identifying human trafficking in adults“.
This article outlines the health impact this significant human cruelty and prolonged exposure to trauma can have on individuals, what healthcare professionals need to know to spot the signs of trafficking in their patients and what to do. It is essential we understand there are a number of important reasons why a victim may not disclose their situation, so we need to prioritise safety, whilst creating a confidential, calm and private environment tofocus on building a rapport and relationship of trust. Avoid forcing disclosure, use a “trauma-informed” approach (we outline what this means in our November newsletter) and as far as possible give the patient choice over what happens next. Make sure you always discuss anyone you are concerned about with your supervisor/senior/nurse in charge.
We really recommend this article as a great one-stop-shop of what to do when you suspect trafficking in adults.
To learn more about child trafficking and its impact, read this BMJ Paediatrics Open article titled “Child modern slavery, trafficking and health: a practical review of factors contributing to children’s vulnerability and the potential impacts of severe exploitation on health” by Dr Laura Wood (@DrLauraCN), VITA Research Director, Child & Family Modern Slavery Lead and Paediatrician.