The latest figures estimate that in 2009 11% of the UK population had been born abroad,1 representing an increase on the 8% recorded during the 2001 Census.2 India, Poland, and Pakistan were the top three most common countries of birth for migrants living in the UK in 2009, but in London the largest groups among those born abroad were African-born (just under a quarter in both inner and outer London) and European-born (a quarter in inner London and a fifth in outer London).1 The largest number of new long-term migrants over the last 5 years has come from the European Union (the majority from the original EU-15 countries).3
Most migrants have come to the UK to study or work,3 but some are more vulnerable, such as those who are seeking asylum, unaccompanied children, and those who have been trafficked. Although the majority of migrants have few health problems, some will have health needs that are different from those of UK-born patients.4 There are many influences on health and these can include exposures and experiences in someone's country of origin, during the migration process itself, as well as their living conditions once they have arrived in the UK. In addition, cultural practices and ethnicity can influence health throughout someone's life
CONSULTATION RESOURCES
When a migrant patient presents for treatment within a primary care practice it can be difficult to understand what health issues are relevant to that patient without knowing more about their background and the country they …