Project:London continues to help London's marginalised and vulnerable people gain access to healthcare. To date, we have seen a number of pregnant women, some in the later stages, who had not seen a single medical professional.
Cee's Story (Not her real name)
She fled Vietnam after her parents' death. Despite having no friends or family in the UK, she has been able to support herself as a care giver for a mentally ill, homebound man.
"I only found out about my pregnancy when I was 5 months pregnant. I felt something wrong and strange in my body but I didn't dare to go to hospital because I don't have any paper. When I finally went, I was told I had to pay £1500 in advance before I could get any antenatal care. I went to see the local Vietnamese community who sent me to Project:London."
We were able to accompany Cee and advocate on her behalf when she went to seek medical treatment. We helped her receive the medical care she was entitled to by registering her with a GP. She was then able to get the antenatal care she needed and recently gave birth to a healthy baby girl.
Caroline's Story (Not her real name)
"Last March 2007, by chance I discovered that my blood sugar is 13mmol/l, this means that I am diabetic and I need a professional medical help. I worried a lot and tried to seek medical help from the medical clinic nearby my place. My struggle was they were asking some requirements I cannot provide because of my immigration status that I was not able to get the treatment I need. By sharing my health condition to a friend, she was able to recommend me to Project London. With the help of the staff volunteers I was able to register with the GP and start getting the treatment I need. I thank you so much the Project: London specially the volunteers. Despite some struggles we went through the process, they have the patience and dedication to push through. I thank Dr.Noime in particular for giving me some basic advices to handle my diabetic while am not yet in proper medication. Thank you guys, God Bless you and may your tribe increase!"
