Inner-City GP Calls for Deprived Communities to Be Included in Healthcare Discussions
Published
A Dublin inner-city GP has called on patient groups and health planners to include people from deprived communities in discussions about healthcare. Dr Austin O'Carroll says that people who live in poorer areas often have difficulty getting the care they need, and their voices are not heard when decisions are made.
Dr O'Carroll warned that failing to involve these communities could make existing health inequalities worse. He explained that people in disadvantaged areas may face barriers such as cost, transport, long waiting times and a lack of information about the services that are available. In his view, the people who experience these problems every day should have a real role in shaping the services designed to help them.
He suggested that patient groups should actively reach out to people who are not usually represented, rather than waiting for them to take part. Meeting people in their own neighbourhoods, and using clear and simple language, could help to build trust and encourage more people to share their experiences.
Dr O'Carroll's comments add to a wider debate in Ireland about how to make healthcare fairer for everyone, regardless of where they live or how much money they have. His message is that better access to care depends on listening carefully to the communities that need it most.
Sources: Irish Medical Times
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