Two years after the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, Bart Health experienced unique findings and discussions, which resulted in a wider perception over five boroughs in East London. As the expansion of the pandemic happened, many health-related organizations had to rethink the structure and services to the community which often didn’t translate faithfully to the communities when facing cultural, religious, and language barriers.
Abbas Mirza a member of Bart Health as a community engagement lead linked in with community partners of various fields and created an interfaith network. During the early stages of the pandemic, Mirza encouraged colleagues to participate in an informal online meeting to debate questions, fears, and needs regarding healthcare during the spread of the disease. Soon after, the meetings evolved to 68 regular participants. The meeting initiative also led to the opening of interfaith forums listing the boroughs of Newham, Waltham Forest, City, Tower Hamlets, and Redbridge.
Key members of the network as Reverend Alan Green, rector of St John on Bethnal Green stated his excitement on how being part of the Barts Health network has helped build stronger partnerships across the east London boroughs. Reverend Green also acknowledged that the local Somali community had become increasingly isolated throughout the pandemic, unaware of hospitals adaptations, and lastly learned they were contracting the virus without any contact with healthcare.
Likewise, Safia Jamal, the CEO of the Women’s Inclusive Team, has shown her enthusiasm towards the discussion network stating it is the first time she could see the connection between the local community and the Trust, witnessing solutions being implemented. Jamal believes the challenges and barriers are similar to issues faced by the Black community in Newham. Furthermore, the CEO pointed these insights allowed them to address the issue and come up with a solution for these patients.
Future plans of the group focus on exploring topics beyond Covid-19, engaging in new Trust projects and strategies, and aligning the lessons learned during the outbreak. “