Manchester PCT ... Chinese Health Information Centre (CHIC)

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.