In a seminar to
be hosted by the Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector
Organisations (CEMVO) at University College London on Wednesday 4th November,
Professor Nazroo argued that social and economic factors are responsible for
the gap in health standards between black and white people, a conclusion
resulting from his research over the past two decades’ on the root causes of
ethnic inequalities in health. He ruled out genetic differences; differing
attitudes to health and health behaviours; institutional racism within the
health service; and a lack of access to health services as major factors, but
suggests the NHS could take more responsibility on improving the employment
terms and conditions for BME staff, including those hired by subcontractors.
“There is a great deal of evidence to show ethnic minority people get a good
deal from the NHS,” he will say at the CEMVO seminar. “They get to see their
GPs as often as white people and their treatment outcomes are just as good as
for white people. I do not believe the NHS is either responsible for or
contributes to ethnic health inequality. However, in employing over one million
people, and many more through subcontractors, it is the largest employer in the
country and has real potential to lead the field in relation to good,
equitable, employment practices, and ensure subcontractors meet the same
standards.
Best practice
initiatives could cover employment rights, holidays, sick leave, maternity
leave, job security and flexibility, limits to unpaid overtime, and management
practices that promote autonomy and control at work. They could also include
financial benefits, ensuring a more equitable distribution of salaries across
employment grades. The immediate and longer-term impact of this on the drivers
of health inequalities is likely to be significant. And particularly so for
ethnic minority groups, who are over-represented in the NHS workforce.”
6 November 2009
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