MIGRANTS who have moved to Sussex from the EU are facing a language barrier when it comes to using some health services, a report has found.

The study by Healthwatch West Sussex found people who speak English as a second language have struggled to handle complicated telephone booking systems and emergency services such as 999 or 111.

The report, called West Sussex – A Home for All, got the views of 60 migrant families living in the coastal West Sussex area. Including Littlehampton, Bognor and Arundel.

The project was carried out as part of the watchdog’s remit in engaging with local people, particularly those whose voices are seldom heard, and offers a snapshot of the feelings families have towards healthcare in the county.

The group partnered with Accord, an organisation which runs native language Saturday schools and hosted an end of term party which took place at a children’s play centre in Arundel in July, shortly after the UK voted in favour of Brexit.

More than 80 per cent of people questioned had positive comments about GP services primary care, although, like the wider community, had problems with getting appointments to see a doctor.

There were also concerns about the difficulties in being referred to a specialist and the time it can take, particularly as other EU countries have different systems in place.

Concerns were also raised over 999 and 111 calls, because the callers have to answer a number of complicated questions which Healthwatch heard was tricky for those with limited English, especially during a time of stress and emergency.

Healthwatch was also told some people were very hostile towards migrants, including some NHS workers, and the results of the referendum had led to some discriminatory behaviour.

Healthwatch chairwoman Frances Russell said: “One of the most worrying findings was the feelings of hatred experienced by some migrant families.

“We are also concerned that some people were at the receiving end of ill-informed comments by NHS employees.

“We have developed recommendations to address this, and offer our support to help local service providers to improve the well-being of coastal European economic area (EEA) communities.

We have made several recommendations which can only be achieved through tailored communication between the providers and these communities.

Healthwatch is calling on Arun District Council, West Sussex County Council and Sussex Police to use the report as part of their neighbourhood strategies, and to improve the sense of safety and well-being among EEA communities.

It has also asked local NHS providers to refresh their equality and diversity training for all employees with a focus on service provision to EEA migrant and reduce the risk of people experiencing ill-informed and inappropriate conversations.

It has also recommended 999 and 111 call handlers are reviewed on how they support people who are struggling to communicate or answer health questions.