RCN calls for action on racial inequality in NHS Trusts
Published: 02 April 2009
Commenting on the Healthcare Commission report Tackling the Challenge, published today reviewing racial equality in the NHS, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:
"Whilst it is encouraging that some NHS Trusts are meeting the expected requirements on racial equality, this is still not good enough. All Trusts need to be fully committed to delivering racial equality and diversity in the NHS. It is shocking that many Trusts do not meet minimum standards which are a legal obligation.
"We urge the incoming Care Quality Commission to have a clear and direct focus towards tackling racial inequality in the NHS. Trusts should be making the most of the talents of all staff and have a duty to ensure they are providing services that are appropriate to the community. By failing to do this they are failing one of the basic principles of the NHS."
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Notes to Editors
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Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses, healthcare assistants and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.