Publication of the Denny Report
Following three years of extensive engagement with local people, Reverend Lloyd Denny, has published the Denny Review into health inequalities across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.
The report was commissioned by the (then) Bedfordshire CCG in 2019, was led by Reverend Lloyd Denny and has involved extensive engagement with local residents and their communities.
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 in equality for local people across Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes.
One of our ECS Healthwatch, 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 valuable insight that 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.
The Denny Review plays a vital role in holding up a mirror to health and care organisations, showing leaders the reality for many minority groups, and acting as a lightning rod for change. Now the review has been published, it will be shared with stakeholders and clinicians over the coming weeks and months.
The BLMK Integrated Care Board has committed to providing a radical response to the findings and recommendations put forward in the review and will publish its formal response later this year.
The full Denny Review Report can be found on the Healthwatch Bedford Borough website.
The Denny Review: Health inequalities in Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes