Including Communities: Engagement Report March 2022 to October 2023
Download (PDF 571.56 KB)Summary of report content
This report, one of two focusing on community engagement in Kingston, shares findings from 20 months of work (March 2022 – October 2023) gathering insights on NHS and social care access. The work has a focus on culturally appropriate services, training for health staff, and improved communication systems.
Healthwatch Kingston engaged with 334 residents from vulnerable, seldom-heard communities, including people experiencing homelessness, refugees, asylum seekers, people with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those with limited mobility.
Key barriers to accessing services included language difficulties, lack of knowledge of services, trouble navigating healthcare systems, unhelpful staff, long wait times, and digital exclusion.
The benefits of timely access were noted as better health outcomes and improved quality of life. Some participants were satisfied with online services, but many faced access challenges due to financial, social, or geographical factors.
The report contained 12 key recommendations, including:
- Co-develop training on vulnerable communities and deliver to health and social care staff to promote equitable access and address stigma.
- Ensure health information is available in relevant languages and formats for disabled and digitally excluded communities.
- Promote General Practices offering ‘Safe Surgeries’ for homeless and vulnerable groups.
- Ensure primary and secondary care services have easily accessible interpreter services for refugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants.
The report calls for a progress update on Kingston’s 2016-2019 Refugee and Migrant Strategy, including health service access and interpreting support.