A Case study of how our Information service has helped a local resident
We went to a lady's group to listen to people’s experience of NHS and care services. Whilst here, a lady was able to speak to a Healthwatch staff member in Gujarati, it meant she was able to share her experiences in her preferred language and helped with her being more open about her situation.
One of the issues Harjeet discussed was the difficulty she was having getting to hospital appointments as she didn’t drive. Her financial situation made taxis an impractical option for regular hospital visits. She wanted to understand if there was a way of being able to get to hospital appointments without financial strain.
We researched information about the West Midlands on Demand service and explained to Harjeet to contact them. We were able to provide the contact details there and then.
Outcomes & Impact achieved
- When Harjeet could converse in her preferred language, she felt more empowered to share her experiences.
- Harjeet was given information about a route for her to be able to get to hospital appointments
- We were able to promote how Healthwatch can support local people
Conclusion
Harjeet’s case highlights the critical need for language accessibility and affordable transportation options in healthcare services. Addressing these issues not only improves patient outcomes but also ensures that vulnerable populations are not left behind due to barriers that are often out of their control.
