HEALTH boards across Scotland will be required to develop anti-racism plans as part of a national effort to kick out discrimination in the NHS, the Scottish Government has said.
On the back of far-right riots seen in other areas of the UK, Health Secretary Neil Gray issued a statement on Friday stressing racism is a “significant public health challenge” and a “key cause of health inequalities”.
Gray said health boards had been asked to make “rapid progress” on addressing racism’s impact on patients and staff, adding they would be held accountable for this.
The Cabinet Secretary added there would now be a requirement for all 22 boards to develop and deliver their own anti-racism plans which must state the action they will take to tackle discrimination.
Gray said: “Whilst some boards have already made progress, we are making anti-racism a priority for all boards so that this will be a true turning point in the culture of our NHS. “
The Programme for Government announced on Wednesday included plans to embed anti-racism across the public sector.
Gray (below) said he knows racism persists within the NHS and social care services, stressing the Government was taking a “firm” approach to the issue.
To help support the development of anti-racism plans in the NHS, he said the Scottish Government would be publishing national guidance for boards, outlining the expectation they will develop plans in collaboration with trade unions, leadership and local staff minority ethnic forums.
Bespoke anti-racism training resources will also be developed to support managers on how to address racist incidents in the workplace.
“By anti-racism we mean actively standing up against racism, challenging and changing the policies, practices, beliefs and behaviours that unjustly disadvantage people from minority ethnic groups; and being proactive in creating a more inclusive and fair society,” he said.
“This is fundamental to our efforts to reduce health inequalities in Scotland.
“Change is needed on many fronts. My priority is for NHS staff to feel safe and supported to speak up about racism, and to be confident that racism will be dealt with.
“I also want to see greater diversity across the NHS, including in leadership positions. Improvements in healthcare are also essential, focussing initially on areas where minority ethnic patients have poorer outcomes and experiences – including maternity care, mental health, Type 2 Diabetes and Cardio-Vascular Disease.
“These changes can’t come fast enough.”
