Agenda item
The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on BAME communities in Brent
To consider a report on the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on BAME communities in Brent.
Minutes:
Dr John Licorish (Consultant in Public Health), introduced a report detailing the findings from Public Health England’s study into the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on BAME communities in England. The report concluded that although health inequalities were not new, COVID had worsened them. Potential causes investigated in the report included intergenerational living, attendance at large gatherings in places of worship and higher representation in certain sectors of work. Analysis of the issues had been made more difficult by limitations in the recording of ethnicity.
The Board heard a presentation from Ali, a 26 year old from Harlesden Ward whose family had been severely impacted from COVID. Ali described how his father had contracted the disease on the 29th March; the last time the family had seen him was when he was later taken to hospital. His father’s body had not been released for a number of days and ritual funeral preparations could not take place as a result. The experience had engendered a distrust of health services, as well as a feeling of hopelessness and anxiety. He felt these feelings were reflected in the community.
The Board heard a statement from Tessa, a resident of Kensal Green. Tessa reported her concern about how services had been moved out of the borough under the cover of COVID. She was also troubled with intergenerational living being cited as a standalone cause of the impact on BAME communities. Families often had no choice about these living arrangements and the issue should be tied to wider social and housing problems. She felt more money was required from government to tackle these issues.
Janet Wildman from Community Voices, a charitable organisation in the borough, told the Board about her experiences of the impact of COVID on BAME communities. She had collected around 50 stories from the community which revealed a pattern of underlying systemic inequalities. She asked for more people to come forward to share their accounts.
The Chair and the Chief Executive gave their condolences to Ali and thanked the speakers for sharing their experiences. Chris Bown, Interim Chief Executive LNWUT, invited Ali to meet with him to discuss the issues he had raised about his father’s care.
In response to a query on whether the quality of primary care services and access to facilities had been considered in the report it was stated that there was evidence to show that if long term conditions were well managed then outcomes from COVID were better. The accessibility of services to manage long term conditions needed to improve.
The Board heard a focus was needed on the quality of primary care, with a particular emphasis on the management of diabetes and hypertension. This work required additional investment as services had been reduced due to lack of finances. It was noted that Councillor Butt (leader, Brent Council) had written to the Secretary of State for Health on this matter.
In response to a query from Councillor Patel regarding the best method for avoiding obesity in children it was stated that targeted and specific interventions were needed.
There was evidence to show that hypertension developed at a younger age in
BAME communities so it was suggested that offering health checks from an earlier age should be considered.
The targeting of resources to tackle health inequalities was discussed. It was noted that residents were currently paying close attention to their health and this could be capitalised upon. Communications needed to improve, before a potential second wave hit, with people on the ground in the community. The Board thanked Dr Licorish for the update provided.
RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
Supporting documents: