Improving the ability of BAME individuals to access and obtain support from Health and Social Care Services - April 2022 Report

During October and November 2021, Healthwatch Hounslow conducted outreach work by speaking to residents to understand their experience of accessing health and social services during the pandemic. The aim of this work was to further understand BAME health inequalities in the borough of Hounslow, following the publication of ‘Beyond the data: understanding the impact of COVID-19 on BAME groups’ by Public Health England. Healthwatch Hounslow spoke to residents through working in collaboration with the community organisation Ilays, Age UK Hounslow, visiting GP surgeries and local libraries.

In total, 50 people shared their views and experiences. A range of experiences were captured, and many mentioned they had experienced difficulties in ‘booking appointments’ and ‘accessing digital services’ during the pandemic. Many also expressed a preference for ‘face-to-face GP appointments’ instead of online consultations. In addition to this, ‘language barriers’ were cited frequently as an issue, as well as a ‘lack of access to translation services.’

Overall, the views and experiences expressed by residents provide evidence that there is a lack of trust in health and social care services; many mentioned that increasing the number of representatives of BAME individuals in the health and social care sector, would help alleviate health inequality in the borough. Further insights into health inequality were provided during discussions with community organisations and their members in which they expressed that they do not feel comfortable discussing issues pertaining to mental health and that many are hesitant in reaching out for support due to being fearful of Social Services. They fear this would affect the family dynamic due to fear of children being ‘taken away’.