New wellness clinic launched for Black and Asian residents to detect long-term health conditions

A new wellness clinic has been launched for Black and Asian residents to help detect long-term health conditions.

The new service, launched by Guy’s and St Thomas’ and in partnership with local faith and community groups, is for residents in Lambeth and Southwark.

The project, that will pilot for six-months, aims to reduce the high levels of undiagnosed health conditions among Black and Asian people, and reduce the health inequality gap that has been brought into sharp focus during the coronavirus pandemic.

In June 2020, Public Health England (PHE) reported that death rates from Covid-19 were higher for Black and Asian ethnic groups when compared to White ethnic groups.

Research by Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity also highlighted that people from Black and Asian communities in Lambeth and Southwark experience a greater burden of long-term health conditions than people from white ethnic groups, and are likely to get their first long-term condition years earlier than their white neighbours.

As well as running the service from the Walworth Road Clinic, Southwark, the team plan to offer health check-ups after religious services at churches and mosques, and at community centres.

Patients are offered tests for high cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and screening for sexually transmitted infections.

All participants will then be sent a letter summarising their findings and health promotion advice, and those with significant findings receive a follow-up.

Dr Rashidat Rabiu, a specialist doctor in sexual reproductive health at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “It’s crucial that we identify people living with multiple long-term health conditions so they can get the right diagnosis and treatment.

“We want to work with faith leaders to improve the health of people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds in our local boroughs.

“The insights gained from the pilot project will help us design future approaches to improving the health of other ethnic minority communities in London and beyond.”

Revd Sandra Schloss, from St Luke’s Church in Peckham, said: “The wellness clinic is a great facility for people in the community, it is a service that will help those who are unsure about going to their doctors to have the opportunity on their doorstep to have a full check-up. I totally support this initiative.”

The wellness clinic runs on Thursdays between 4pm and 7pm at the Walworth Road Clinic in Southwark.