Observatory engages on actions to tackle race disparities in health

The NHS Race and Health Observatory (RHO) today (8 November) engaged on its key ambitions and future priorities to tackle racial health disparities across England.

Over 160 guests attended a public stakeholder engagement launch event to offer insight, support and to discuss the next phase of the independent health organisation’s future commitments and collaborations.

Initial plans published in the ‘Draft Strategic Ambitions’ for the next three years (2024-2027) include:

• Reducing the gaps in morbidity and mortality for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic mothers, babies, and their families.
• Driving forward the anti-racist reform of legislation, policy, and culture in mental health care.
• Ensuring policy, research, and practice, nationally and locally, are based on genuine community participation and co-production.
• Working towards research and data evidence that are truly representative of the diversity of communities across the country.
• Delivering workforce race equity in the NHS and embedding anti-racism in clinical education.
• Mobilising and optimising technology, innovations, and effective practices to serve ethnic minority communities.

On hand to address a series of questions from audience members about these plans and on the government’s 10 Year Health Plan and consultation exercise were, Marie Gabriel, Chair of the NHS Race and Health Observatory; Prof Habib Naqvi, Chief Executive, Lord Victor Adebowale, Chair of the NHS Confederation and Observatory Board member; Ed Moses, Director for the NHS 10 Year Plan: Policy and Engagement at the Department of Health and Social Care, and Tracey Bignall, Director of Policy and Engagement at the Race Equality Foundation.

Building on the momentum of its work since 2021, the engagement event was an opportunity for members of grassroot organisations, charities, frontline NHS Staff, government and policy makers to share unique insights, including on lessons learnt on tackling ethnic health inequalities and future potential partnerships. Feedback from the event will help contribute to the Observatory’s full strategy report, due for publication in the coming weeks.

Established by NHS England in 2021, the Observatory’s work is focused on action-based recommendations to tackle persistent, deep-rooted ethnic inequalities that exist across the NHS. In the first three years, the Observatory has laid significant groundwork for change, having focused on five key areas: improving health and care, empowering vulnerable communities, innovating for all, creating equitable environments, and collaborating globally. These areas were originally identified through extensive stakeholder engagement to shape the organisation’s direction.

Professor Habib Naqvi, Chief Executive, NHS Race and Health Observatory, said;

“Our commitment remains with diverse communities, patients and healthcare staff. We are pleased to have created this in-person platform to obtain feedback for our next critical phase – building on the extensive engagement that we have already undertaken. In our first three years, we have created a strong foundation for addressing ethnic inequalities in healthcare, but this work is far from over. Our new strategy will signal a renewed determination to challenge the systemic barriers that prevent equitable care for patients and experiences for staff.

“We are committed to making a lasting impact on the healthcare, working alongside healthcare leaders, policymakers, and, most importantly, the people impacted by disparities. The success of any NHS plan for the future will depend on the extent to which it will meaningfully embrace this critical agenda.”

A new resource, presenting the Observatory’s ‘7 Principles of Anti-racism’, was also unveiled.