Health inequalities faced by Trust patients have been highlighted by a co-created lived experience group – with the aim of improving future services.
The engagement group – including service users, carers and staff – dedicated 11 months to examining the potential barriers people face when seeking treatment.
Now the results of their work have been presented to over 80 heath delegates at a specialist Patient Safety Summit, hosted by Teesside University’s student union.
“In order to offer the right support, it is essential we understand the communities we serve,” said TEWV public health consultant Catherine Parker, who set up the group.
“Our members identified a wide range of inequalities, and we hope this piece of work will increase awareness and understanding about the challenges people can face.”
Understanding inequalities
Financial problems, long-term health conditions, understanding of different cultural backgrounds and learning difficulties were all flagged by the group as potential barriers to accessing vital care.
Issues with transport, literacy difficulties and language differences were also highlighted as challenges to people when seeking mental health support.
“In a big, complicated organisation like the NHS it can sometimes be easier to offer everyone the same approach to accessing services, and that can cause inequality,” said Catherine.
“One size does not fit all. The group was very clear about that. Inequalities really do have a direct impact on people’s lives, which is why we are treating this so seriously.
“We hope the group’s work will help our staff better understand how inequality impacts on ability to access and benefit from our services – and also to reflect on how we can respond.”
Looking to the future
The work of the group – including art, creative writing and a video – is now to be shared with staff as a creative resource, to help build Trust-wide understanding around inequality.
A new Trust approach to health inequalities has also been co-created with lived experience voices, to help support and inform the development of future services.
“Our group set out to do something meaningful, to shine a light on barriers to care, and the result is so powerful. We hope it will be a really helpful resource for staff,” said Catherine.
“It was great for members to share their stories, and to explain their concerns about inequalities, at the summit. It started conversations which could change the future.
“They are all so passionate, so authentic. I know colleagues left the summit inspired by them and are now looking to use what was said in the day-to-day practice of care.”
Thoughts from involvement member Penney
Poetry, art and creative thinking have all taken centre stage in the journey to co-create a new Trust approach to tackling health inequalities.
Group members worked with artists Josie and Carmen to create visuals, videos and creative writing pieces based on their own lived experience of accessing health services.
The results of their work were displayed during the recent Patient Safety Summit and included poetry, artwork and a hand-crafted model detailing potential barriers to care.
Improving future services
Group member Penney said: “This was a really valuable experience of working creatively, stimulating thoughts about personal experiences alongside thoughts of how things may be experienced by others – given the complexity of our cultures and society today.
“We, as a group, evolved a style of working together, enabling all to contribute within a safe space, facilitated by people who fostered development sensitively, with gentle supportive encouragement that was authentic in delivery of the wider aims.
“This style of working together, especially when working in a team setting, can benefit people who use our services, as well as staff. There was an openness and transparency demonstrated – not just words on paper.
“I sense we may be able to further develop this initial piece of work, and really look forward to being part of whatever this may be.”
