Report - Lost for words: Healthwatch evidence on how language barriers contribute to health inequalities (22 March 2022)

Summary

This report by Healthwatch highlights barriers and delays that people with little or no English can face when trying to access healthcare. Based on research conducted by Healthwatch, it examines the difficulties that patients with little or no English encounter at every stage of their healthcare journey, including registering with a GP, accessing urgent care, navigating healthcare premises, explaining their problems and understanding what the doctor says. It highlights system-, staff- and patient-related barriers that must be tackled in order to achieve equal access to care.