PEOPLE from ethnic minority communities in East Lancashire suffer inequalities in health and social care, according to a health expert.

Dr Iqbal Memon says factors including language, religion, culture, the gender of health staff and stereotyping are to blame for the lack of availability and use of health services by people from ethnic minority groups.

The problem will be under the spotlight at a major conference in East Lancashire.

More than 300 people are expected to attend Ewood Park conference centre on September 10 for one of the largest events of its kind outside London.

Titled "Working Together" it is a joint initiative between Guild Community Health Care Trust and 11 health trusts, local authorities and universities in the North West.

Key speakers are Professor John Ashton, regional director of public health for NHS Executive North West, and Veena Bahl, adviser on ethnic health at the Department of Health. Conference organiser Dr Memon, an associate specialist with Guild Community Healthcare NHS Trust, said there was evidence of inequality in the availability and use of health services by people from ethnic minority communities.

Dr Memon said: "The inequalities in health and social care experienced by people from ethnic minorities require a multi-agency approach to ensure services are used equally by all sections of the community.

"The aim of the conference is to promote a multi-agency approach to this problem to encourage joint working and a sharing of knowledge and expertise."

The conference is aimed at health and social work professionals, academics and members of voluntary organisations who work with ethnic groups.

Organisations involved in the initiative include Lancashire County Council Social Services, Chorley and South Ribble NHS Trust, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Burnley Health Care NHS Trust, Bolton Institute Business Management School, Community Health Bolton NHS Trust, Blackburn Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust, University of Central Lancashire Faculty of Health, University of Manchester, ICDES Edge Hill University College.

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