25.06.19
NHS Providers says more to be done to support equality and diversity
Following the publication of a report by the General Medical Council on the disproportionate referrals of BAME doctors to fitness to practice processes, NHS Providers have called for greater efforts to be made in supporting equality and diversity.
Director of policy and strategy of NHS Providers, Miriam Deakin, said: “At the heart of the NHS’ core values are respect and dignity, compassion and inclusion. We know that there is strong evidence linking a diverse workforce and good patient care and it is also important that the NHS has an engaged and inclusive leadership which reflects the diversity of its workforce and of its local population.
“These findings are therefore troubling, and show just how important it is that we invest in support for equality and diversity across the health and care sector.
READ MORE: Why diversity and inclusion are critical to leading much-needed change in the NHS
“Trusts are already working hard to ensure staff are treated fairly and with the respect they deserve, for example by introducing initiatives to improve culture and staff engagement, but there is clearly more to be done. This consistent, high-quality leadership is a crucial element for improvement in these areas.
“This report helpfully provides practical recommendations to reduce disproportionality in fitness to practise referrals and to remove barriers to opportunities for BAME staff. The report also highlights the need to do more to learn from incidents and to continue to tackle the blame culture in the NHS more generally.”
Speaking at Confed19 about the report, chief executive of the General Medical Council Charlie Massey said: “If you’re new to the UK practices, and of a BAME background, you’re more likely to be reported to the GMC. So we need to look at our inductions."