04.01.11
Mental Health discrimination for minority ethnic groups
A recent census of patients in England and Wales has exposed the possibility of discrimination within the health system for minority ethnic patients with mental health problems.
The number of detentions under the Mental Health Act has risen for some black and minority ethnic (BME) groups by 70%. Additionally, rates of admission and seclusion are higher among certain BMEs. The statistics come from the Count Me In Census, which surveyed 32,999 patients.
There has long been pressure to improve the mental health and wellbeing among these groups, although as the chair of the Care Quality Commission, Dame Jo Williams states: “These findings do not in themselves show that mental health services are failing to meet the needs of people from black and minority ethnic groups.
“The findings need to be interpreted in the light of evidence about levels of mental illness and pathways to care among different groups.”
Suzanne Duval, director of policy at Awetu, the only BME group in Wales, said: “The issue of race inequality in Welsh mental health services is routinely ignored.
“When standards are set and services are developed consideration of BME people is always an afterthought, if it happens at all.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]