Fenland residents invited to have their say on health inequalities

People in Fenland are being asked for their help to make health and care services across the area more equal.

Health and care champion Healthwatch says it wants more to be done to make sure that everyone can look after their health and wellbeing.

It says that some people are struggling to get the information and services they need, with the move to online appointments, consultations and information due to the pandemic making problems worse.

Its now inviting Fenland people to share their experiences of how health and care is working at a special conference later this month.

Healthwatch Chief Executive Sandie Smith said: “Covid-19 has been a tumultuous experience for everyone, but it is clear that those communities who were already experiencing disadvantage have been the most affected.

“We know that older people, those with disabilities or long-term health conditions, carers and those not online were hit hardest by the pandemic and subsequent changes to health and care.

“Whether this is as a result of not having access to technology or being at higher risk of Covid-19; the role that inequalities plays is immense.

“Giving everyone the same opportunities to lead a healthy life, no matter where they live or who they are, should be central to every decision made.

“And in the coming year, our Healthwatch will redouble our efforts to listen to those people who are at most disadvantage, and work with our local services to make improvements.”

If you – or someone you know – have been affected by changes to services during the pandemic, you’re asked to share your views at the Healthwatch Conference, On equal terms, on Wednesday, July 21.

Issues being tackled include:

• Digital exclusion – looking at help for people without a computer or those with no or limited Internet.

• Online appointments – they work well for some patients but older people, disabled people, those with sight or hearing loss, people affected by homelessness and on low incomes, and those whose first language isn’t English are all at risk of being left behind.

• How technology helps people stay independent at home for longer.

The Healthwatch conference is BSL-interpreted to make it accessible to as many people as possible.

Share your experiences and have your say here: https://www.healthwatchcambridgeshire.co.uk/news/2021-06-01/healthwatch-conference-looks-tackling-health-inequalities-book-now