Agenda item - Covid 19 and BAME Communities

Presentation from Brighton & Hove CCG on the impact of Covid 19 on local Black & Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities and steps that the health and care system is taking to understand and address inequalities (verbal presentation)

22.1    This item was presented by Jane Lodge, Associate Director of Public Involvement, Sussex CCGs. Ms Lodge outlined the work that the NHS has undertaken across Sussex to understand and to mitigate the disproportionate impact that Covid has had on BAME communities.

22.2    Cllr McNair asked a question about outreach to students at language schools etc., of whom a large proportion are BAME. Jane Lodge responded that she was not aware of any specific involvement with international students, but that she would check.

22.3    Cllr McNair asked a question about the accessibility of NHS literature. Ms Lodge responded that literacy is a recognised issue with some groups. Efforts are made to use plain English in NHS materials and work is ongoing with communities to check that material is accessible.

22.4    Cllr Powell asked a question about vaccination take-up across BAME communities. Ms Lodge responded that the NHS has identified community champions to help encourage take-up of vaccines.

22.5    Cllr Powell asked a question about the involvement of BAME NHS staff in outreach work. Ms Lodge confirmed that NHS staff from BAME communities are being used as a resource.

22.6    Cllr Powell asked a question about outreach to migrants and refugees. Ms Lodge confirmed that these groups will specifically be amongst those targeted.

22.7    The Chair thanked Ms Lodge for her update and noted that this is an issue that the HOSC will return to at future meetings.