Radical action needed to tackle racial health inequality in NHS

Racism, racial discrimination, barriers to accessing healthcare and woeful ethnicity data collection have ‘negatively impacted’ the health of black, Asian and minority ethnic people in England for years.

According to the review, commissioned by the NHS Race and Health Observatory and seen by the Guardian, radical action is needed urgently to tackle ‘overwhelming’ minority ethnic health inequalities in the NHS.

From mental health to maternity care, the sweeping review led by the University of Manchester paints a devastating picture of a healthcare system still failing minority ethnic patients despite concerns previously raised about the harm being caused.

The report says that the pandemic has taken a disproportionate toll on ethnic minorities, prompting fresh questions about inequalities that permeate the practice of medicine. It concludes that inequalities in access to, experiences of, and outcomes of healthcare in the NHS ‘are rooted in experiences of structural, institutional and interpersonal racism’. It adds that, for too many years the health of minority ethnic people in England has been ‘negatively impacted’ by a lack of appropriate treatment, poor quality or discriminatory treatment by NHS staff, missing ethnicity data from NHS systems, and delays in seeking help for health issues ‘due to fear of racist treatment from NHS healthcare professionals’.

With regards to mental health, it found that minority ethnic groups were less likely to be referred to IAPT by GPs than white people, and that minority ethnic patients who do get a referral are less likely than white British patients to receive an assessment. Minority ethnic people with psychosis are also less likely to be referred for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Maternity services were also found lacking, with the review finding evidence of negative interactions, stereotyping, disrespect, discrimination and cultural insensitivity, leading to some minority ethnic women feeling ‘othered’, unwelcome, and poorly cared for.

An NHS spokesperson said: “The pandemic has shone a stark light on health inequalities across the country and the NHS is already taking action to improve the experiences of patients and access to services. The NHS has set out what local health services should be focusing on over the next year so they can make these improvements in their local communities and is already working closely with the Race and Health Observatory to drive forward the recommendations set out in this report.”

The NHS Race and Health Observatory is an independent body established by the NHS in 2020 to investigate health inequalities in England. The 166-page report is due to be published in full this week.