The Denny Review: Health inequalities in Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes

The review looked to understand which residents experienced the greatest health inequalities and what steps could be taken to achieve greater health and care health inequality for local people across Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes. 

Healthwatch Bedford Borough, were one of the four local Healthwatch from the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK ICB footprint) who contributed to this report, and engaged directly with local residents, particularly those from underrepresented groups and those for whom would otherwise would have been overlooked.  

In particular Healthwatch Bedford Borough’s strong relationships with the Gypsy and Traveller community across Bedford Borough, which dates back almost a decade, and in some cases longer, has meant that the community have provided a strong and powerful voice into the current challenges with NHS and care provision. They described issues with lack of cultural awareness and discrimination faced on a daily basis and have offered a valuable insight which will help commissioners and services providers to develop and deliver services which meet the needs of this community and others. Not just now, but for future generations. Healthwatch Bedford Borough are often called to act in an Advisory capacity with this and other marginalised communities.