Health Inequalities: Somali people's experiences of health and social care services in Birmingham

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Summary of report content

Healthwatch Birmingham conducted 17 virtual interviews with Somali people in Birmingham to explore experiences of racism, discrimination and bias, the impact of news of delivering services introduced during the covid-19 pandemic.

The report found that levels of trust and engagement amongst Somali people in Birmingham are being impacted. There were negative experiences of health and social care and the challenges and barriers they face when accessing services and experiences of discrimination. Dismissive attitudes of professionals, lack of dignity and respect, poor diagnosis and referral to specialist treatment, cultural and language difficulties, limitations in interpretation support, stigma and discrimination have led to distrust and detachment from health and social care services.

A number of recommendations were made in this report in an effort to improve Somali people's experiences. 

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General details

Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch Birmingham
Publication date
Date evidence capture began
Date evidence capture finished
Type of report
Report
Key themes
Access to services
Booking appointments
Cleanliness, Hygiene and Infection Control
Communication with patients; treatment explanation; verbal advice
Complaints
Health inequality
Written information, guidance and publicity
Prevention of diseases, including vaccination, screening and public hygiene
Lifestyle and wellbeing; wider determinants of health
Accessibility and reasonable adjustments
Caring, kindness, respect and dignity
Service organisation, delivery, change and closure
Staffing - levels and training

Methodology and approach

Was the work undertaken in partnership with another organisation?
No
Primary research method used
Interviews
If an Enter and View methodology was applied, was the visit announced or unannounced?
N/A

Details of people who shared their views

Number of people who shared their views
17
Age group
All
Gender
All
Ethnicity
Black / Black British: Any other Black / Black British background
Sexual orientation
Not known
Does this report feature carers?
No
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