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R>some services, some people had strong views about the health system.
‘Chinese people are law-abiding citizens and pay taxes, but they don’t get an equal return
from the health system when they need it. There’s not a fair distribution of opportunity to use
services. Some people don’t pay for the service but abuse the system’
Focus group, male
‘I haven’t got any unmet needs. What I would like to say is firstly, prescriptions are too
expensive. We pay so much tax but where does the money go? To fighting Iraq? They’re
going to close 3 hospitals and the PCT is millions of pounds in debt.
And the other thing is GP opening times; it’s been in the news too. The current times aren’t
really convenient for us; we have to close the shop to go see the GP.’
Takeaway, male
There was also low expectation that the NHS would provide specific services for Chinese.
‘Sometimes you find leaflets in Chinese; they’re the most cost-effective way really. Even
better if you could have something visual, but I can’t see the Government providing these;
it’s just not cost-effective, is it?’
Takeaway, male
In terms of healthcare needs, the most commonly expressed need was for regular health
checks and examinations, especially for middle-aged and elderly people.
The PCT needs to develop a long-standing dialogue with the Chinese community as needs
assessment is only useful if continually updated. Mechanisms must be developed to reach
and engage with the community so that their needs are taken into account when planning
and delivering services.
A bilingual linkworker should be employed to develop and support local networks and to
deliver health education and health promotion programmes. These programmes must take
into account the nature and lifestyles of the local population and reach those who are most
disadvantaged.
Department of Health policy and guidance:
Guidance on Developing Local Communication Support Services and Strategies,
Department of Health Equality and Human Rights Group, 20 April 2004
20
5.7. Dependent children and young people
The needs of children were assessed using the views of parents and what they considered
their children’s needs were. There were no major concerns regarding current health status
(all parents stating that their children were healthy) and there were no unmet health needs in
their opinions. Parents did not consider smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use
or sexual relations as problems or potential problems for their children. In the focus group,
this was attributed to cultural and family values that their children were brought up with.
‘Chinese people drink very little – this is a habit. This is not a concern’
In relation to sex
‘Chinese people have strong values in this area, it doesn’t matter from what background you
are. In 100 people, you may find 1 or 2 with problems. We are not worried about our children
in this area.’
Lack of participation in physical activity was the only identified concern for some parents.
Lower rates of participation in sports and exercise in Chinese children compared to the
general population were reported in the Health Survey for England (1999)6.
When young people were interviewed (3 female students), their views regarding smoking,
drinking, drugs and sex reflected those of Chinese parents.
‘The [Chinese] people we know don’t have these problems…Chinese p