Healthwatch and health working hand in hand
Healthwatch Dudley has been working with Syrian refugees to plan a community event for local people who have migrated to Dudley borough. Last Saturday 19 families came together for a celebration at Wellington Road Community Centre in Dudley, where they were joined by health professionals from Dudley Integrated Health and Care NHS Trust (DIHC) and Solutions4Health.
The event enabled families to get together and build their support networks and provided a real insight into what it is like to be a migrant living in Dudley borough.
DIHC provided health checks for around thirty participants. Dr Lloyd Baron, Clinical Lead for Health Inequalities, DIHC said, “It is so important that we spend time in our communities and develop trusting relationships. The health checks were a perfect way to get to know them better and check for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and potential diabetes.”
“All of the information from the health checks has been shared with the GP practices that patients are registered with and patients who are high risk will be contacted by their practices for further support and advice.”
Helen Codd, Head of Communications, Engagement & Partnerships, DIHC said, “We have a really positive relationship with Healthwatch Dudley and by collaborating, we can achieve so much more and make sure there are opportunities for getting into the heart of our many diverse communities.”
Jehad Khattab Halesowen Welcome Group volunteer said:
“I have enjoyed working with local families to plan this event with Healthwatch Dudley, who involve people who often struggle to have their voice heard. We have loved coming together with friends and family to talk about our experiences of living in Dudley borough and to also to have important health checks, at the same time as having a fun Syrian celebration.”
Healthwatch Dudley will produce a report about the activity, that will inform how Dudley borough communities are supported and involved in future health service planning.
