Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire is proud to announce the release of a new insight report based on our recent “Coffee, Chai, and Chat” group sessions. The report brings forward the often unheard voices of ethnic communities across Leicester and Leicestershire, including Punjabi, Bangladeshi, Gujarati, and Pakistani communities, encompassing both men and women.
Over the course of five months, from December 2023 to April 2024, we held ten in-depth group sessions with six different community groups and organisations. The face-to-face discussions were conducted in culturally sensitive environments, with the support of community interpreters when required, to ensure that every participant felt comfortable sharing their experiences.
The voices of those who participated in our sessions revealed significant insights into the current state of health and social care services as experienced by ethnic communities. Key issues highlighted include:
- Access to Primary Care Services: Many people reported challenges in accessing doctors and other primary care services, particularly due to language barriers and long wait times.
- Hospital Services and Urgent Care: Concerns were raised about the availability and quality of hospital services, with particular emphasis on the need for more culturally competent care.
- Mental Health Services: There was a strong call for more accessible and culturally appropriate mental health services, with some participants feeling that their mental health needs were not being adequately addressed.
- Women’s Health: Women across these communities expressed the need for more tailored health services that cater to their specific needs.
Harsha Kotecha, Chair of Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire, said “This insight report is more than just a document; it is a call to action for health and social care providers in Leicester and Leicestershire. It underscores the urgent need to address the barriers faced by communities in accessing services and highlights the importance of creating more inclusive, culturally aware and responsive health and social care systems.
We are committed to continuing our engagement with these communities and using the insights gathered to influence positive changes in service delivery. We will also work closely with service providers to ensure that the voices of these communities are not just heard, but are integral to the ongoing improvement of health and social care services in our area.”
Read the report
To read the full report visit – https://healthwatchll.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HWLL-CCC-Insight-Report-August-2024.pdf
Contact us directly on 0116 257 4999 if you would like to talk to our team to share your feedback on local health and care services.