COVID pandemic has ‘ shone a light on inequalities ’ in the NHS

UNISON’s virtual health conference closed with a trio of motions dedicated to the fight against discrimination within the NHS, as the health service moves forward after the pandemic.
As a motion on “dismantling inequalities” during the recovery put it: “The NHS has an urgent and compelling duty to eliminate the stark inequalities that affect staff with protected characteristics – inequalities that were not caused by COVID but which have been magnified and exacerbated by it.”
Naomi Byron of Homerton Hospital branch told conference that the experiences of some of her branch colleagues during the pandemic “shone a huge spotlight on the existing inequalities in society and, unfortunately, that includes in the NHS.
“You see the institutional racism that exists across society being reflected in the NHS, and many of the sections of society who are targets of discrimination and disadvantage often suffering the worse, health-wise and financially during the pandemic.
“The NHS has a special position in British society,” she added, “which is why the NHS should be leading the fight against these prejudices.”
That motion charged the health service group executive to:

Encourage more Black members to become active across all branch roles and within bargaining structures;
Work with the national Black members committee to develop a policy agenda for staff in light of COVID experience;
Work with the national disabled members committee on campaigning and bargaining strat...

Source: UNISON meat hygiene - September 22, 2021 Category: Food Science Authors: Demetrios Matheou Tags: Article News 2021 Virtual Health Conference Source Type: news