Health Inequality Insights

Invisible Women: A Hard-to-Reach Vulnerable Population

NationalHEFT Season 2 Episode 3

Episode Description

Dr Su Khant Chei (GP) and Dr Sean Liu (FY1) welcome Dr Ruth Beesley, a GP in Peterborough who runs a specialist clinic for vulnerable women who are homeless, have alcohol or drug addictions and engage in sex work. We discuss how as healthcare providers we could improve our ability to reach and support this group of people.


Key Messages

  • Women who are homeless, have substance addictions or engage in sex work are easily missed by the traditional healthcare system.
  • This is due to logistical barriers such as the appointment booking system and receiving letters, as well as the fear of stigma and judgement.
  • Building a relationship of trust is absolutely vital, as is ensuring the system and environment are suitable for this group of people. The Wildflowers clinic is an example of a specialist service with this in mind, and we discuss the lessons learned from the process of setting it up and working in partnership with other organisations.
  • These women are very resilient and working with them can be exceptionally inspirational and rewarding.


Resources

Further information about the Wildflowers outreach clinic:
https://www.changegrowlive.org/news/breaking-down-barriers


Connect with us

If you would like to get involved, have any questions, comments, or topic suggestions, please email us at nationalheft@gmail.com. You can also connect with us on https://future.nhs.uk/NationalHEFT/groupHome and https://twitter.com/NationalHEFT


Disclaimer

The information provided in this podcast, is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the content should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners are encouraged to consult with their own healthcare providers or seek appropriate medical guidance for any specific health concerns. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily represent the views of their respective institutions or organizations. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, but we cannot guarantee that all content is current, complete, or free from errors. Listeners are encouraged to verify any medical information from trusted sources and consult with their own qualified healthcare professionals. We hope

Connect with us

If you would like to get involved, have any questions, comments, or topic suggestions, please email us at nationalheft@gmail.com. You can also connect with us on https://future.nhs.uk/NationalHEFT/groupHome and https://twitter.com/NationalHEFT


Disclaimer

The information provided in this podcast, is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the content should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners are encouraged to consult with their own healthcare providers or seek appropriate medical guidance for any specific health concerns. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily represent the views of their respective institutions or organizations. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, but we cannot guarantee that all content is current, complete, or free from errors. Listeners are encouraged to verify any medical information from trusted sources and consult with their own qualified healthcare professionals. We hope this podcast serves as a valuable resource in promoting awareness and understanding of health inequalities and related topics.