#SpeakUp: Edukation Solutions

Healthwatch Sheffield’s #SpeakUp-funded project, Does Health Matter: A BAMER Perspective, explored the experiences of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER) communities using health services in Sheffield. The project engaged 74 participants from a wide range of backgrounds, including refugees, asylum seekers, Roma communities and longer-settled migrant groups. While participants were generally positive about the NHS and valued free access to healthcare, they also identified significant barriers affecting access, communication and health outcomes.

The most common concerns related to GP services. Participants described difficulties securing appointments, language barriers when using telephone systems, challenges with online booking systems and delays caused by triage processes. Many valued caring and professional GPs but felt appointments were rushed and did not allow sufficient time to discuss their needs. Communication difficulties were a major issue, with many people relying on family members or friends to interpret for them. Participants also highlighted problems where interpreters spoke different dialects or where medical information was not fully understood. Trust in services was affected by a lack of continuity, limited cultural understanding and concerns that health professionals did not always recognise the wider circumstances affecting refugees and asylum seekers. 

Hospital services were viewed more positively. Participants generally praised the professionalism of doctors and nurses, the quality of treatment and the range of services available. However, concerns were raised about expensive hospital parking, difficulties navigating large hospital sites, limited culturally appropriate food options and delays caused by shortages of beds. Mental health emerged as an important but often hidden issue. Participants spoke about stress, anxiety, social isolation, unemployment, cultural adjustment and financial pressures, but many were reluctant to discuss mental health openly. Awareness of specialist mental health support services was very low, and there was concern that medication was often offered without sufficient longer-term support or therapeutic options. 

The report recommended improving access to GP appointments, increasing the use of professional interpreters, improving cultural awareness among healthcare professionals and providing clearer, more accessible health information. It also called for better support around mental health, greater emphasis on prevention and healthy lifestyles, improved support for older people with long-term conditions and increased awareness of dental hygiene and NHS dental services. The report concluded that reducing language, cultural and information barriers would improve trust in services and help ensure that BAMER communities can access healthcare more effectively.