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 'Make My Voice Heard - Experiences of Women Accessing Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland' report

Meadhbha Monaghan, Chief Executive of the Patient and Client Council (PCC), recently attended the launch of the 'Make My Voice Heard - Experiences of Women Accessing Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland' report.

The report focuses on the lived experiences of women seeking international protection and the challenges they face when accessing Health and Social Care (HSC) services.

Reflecting on the report, Meadhbha said:

“I welcome this timely report, which resonates with much of the work and thinking of the PCC. It shines an important light on inequality of access to HSC services and challenges in navigating healthcare.

“Engaging with voluntary and community organisations to reach individuals to participate in this research is a real positive and reflects the ‘Networks of Networks’ approach followed and promoted by the PCC. Working with the voluntary and community sector, and building on their established and trusted relationships with communities, is really important for health and social care organisations to reach members of the public that are seldom heard. The PCC endeavours to promote and follow this approach in its work, including its Support in the Community service.

“It is also reflective of the need for a more strategic approach and consistent framework for public participation across the Health and Social Care system. Members of the public and their lived experiences should be seen as an asset to HSC organisations, that can  help shape existing and future services.

“A key finding in the report was people not having enough support to navigate and access services. In addition to this, the support available was inconsistent between services and across Trusts. We support the recommendation for co-ordination and consistency of support services. PCC would augment this by recommending the establishment of independent regional advocacy services in Northern Ireland. Independent advocacy support is vital in order to address issues of access and navigation. It helps address health inequalities and is an important assurance mechanism that people are being listened to and their issues addressed. This is particularly true for those who have additional needs or are seldom heard.

“Building health literacy is also vitally important as it allows people to become more active partners in their care.

“PCC recommends this report is carefully considered by organisations across Health and Social Care. 

 

More information: The Experiences of Women seeking International Protection Accessing Health & Social Care in NI report published | Department of Health



Tags: PCC NEWS HSC NEWS By PCC at 05/30/2025

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