Learning from practice

The Chinese Health Information Centre (CHIC) was set up in 1987 to tackle health inequalities among the Chinese communities of Manchester and the north-west, and to improve access to health services.

The Health Education Authority discovered that fewer Chinese people were accessing GP services (18 per cent) compared with the population as a whole (28 per cent).

Language difficulties were thought to be the primary barrier. CHIC provides a surgery staffed by volunteer Chinese GPs. Over 5,400 patients are registered.

Rates of diabetes are also higher than average in Chinese people. CHIC runs a diabetic clinic and foot screening service. Other services include health promotion and education, drug awareness, health activities for older people, parenting courses, first aid and interpreting services.