23 April 2025
Longest waits for NHS hospital treatment show further fall
New figures have revealed that the numbers of patients facing the longest waits for treatment at local hospitals have fallen significantly over the last 12…
Home >> news >> Bedford Borough residents invited to help shape work to tackle health inequalities
The Denny Review, launched as a research project in 2019 and published in 2023, seeks to identify the people who experience the greatest health inequalities and empower them to co-produce local solutions. It began after residents called on the NHS locally to reduce inequalities, as it became clear that Covid-19 was having a disproportionate effect on people from ethnic minorities.
Now an event at Bedford Academy on Monday 20 May will offer local residents and stakeholders the opportunity to find out more, and to help shape the ongoing work of the project partnership.
Reverend Lloyd Denny, a well-respected faith and community figure was asked to lead the review with local partners including the NHS, voluntary and community groups, Healthwatch, public health, academics and residents.
Felicity Cox, chief executive officer of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:
“The Denny Review was a true partnership project spanning several years which identified the key issues amongst those who experience the greatest health inequalities: those in deprived neighbourhoods, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBT+ people; Gypsies, Travellers and Roma people; people with physical and/or learning disabilities; and homeless people.
“The review outlined that communication and language, access to services, representation, and a lack of understanding of the needs of some people and communities all contribute to poor health outcomes for some of the most vulnerable people in our area.
“As we take our work to the next stage, we want to present our findings and our plans to everyone in the local area who is keen to help us. I look forward to meeting residents across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes in the coming weeks, and I hope this event in Bedford on Monday 20 May, which we are hosting in partnership with Healthwatch Bedford Borough, provides a springboard for this.”
Emma Freda, chief executive officer of Healthwatch Bedford Borough, said:
“I have been fascinated by the depth of research which has been undertaken over the course of the Denny Review, and I know local people will want to take the opportunity to attend.
“Health inequalities affect large numbers of our local population, so I look forward to seeing as many people as possible coming together to find out what will happen next. Co-production of service redesign and delivery will help the NHS to ensure that they better meet the needs of the people who use their services.”
The event takes place at Bedford Academy (Mile Road, Bedford, MK42 9TR) on Monday 20 May from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Although the event is free, booking is essential and can be completed online. British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreters will be provided to increase the accessibility of the event, but attendees are also asked to identify any additional needs they may have.
23 April 2025
Longest waits for NHS hospital treatment show further fall
New figures have revealed that the numbers of patients facing the longest waits for treatment at local hospitals have fallen significantly over the last 12…
17 April 2025
Get the care you need this Easter: advice on NHS opening times…
Many families will be looking forward to spending the Easter holiday together, but NHS staff will also enjoy the chance to take a long weekend…
17 April 2025
The importance of mental wellbeing – Stress Awareness Month
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care System is marking Stress Awareness Month by encouraging people to prioritise their mental wellbeing and seek support to help manage stress and anxiety.…
16 April 2025
More appointments are available for patients at local general practices
General practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are offering more appointments than a year ago, according to new figures released by NHS England. The data – covering December 2024…
14 April 2025
Patients urged to order repeat prescriptions before holiday weekends
People who take regular medications have been urged to check they have sufficient supplies to last the long Easter weekend (Good Friday, 18 April to Easter Monday, 21 April) and…
9 April 2025
ICB welcomes prospect of better health through boosts to local economy
Health chiefs have expressed their delight at the prospect of better health for local people, following two major economic announcements in recent days. An artist’s impression of the proposed development…