34 recommendations made after NHS staff voice concerns about diversity and perceptions racism 'not dealt with effectively'
More than 30 recommendations have been made to improve diversity and experiences for staff and users of Devon's NHS.
Last updated 18th Aug 2021
Bosses have tonight appeared before the ongoing Torbay Council-led review into racism and diversity in the local public sector, chaired by councillor Jermaine Atiya-Alla.
The Devon Clinical Commissioning Group commissioned the research to review experiences of diverse communities and staff ahead of becoming an 'integrated care system' from April 2022.
Bosses said it was because of a higher mortality rate higher among BAME staff nationally and concerns locally over a lack of interpretation support for those not speaking English.
Researchers met with 67 diverse communities between September 2020 and April 2021 - making 34 recommendations to the wider Devon NHS.
Councillor Jermaine Atiya-Alla spoke to reporter Andrew Kay after the meeting - starting with concerns that BAME staff were more likely to be die from Covid 19
3.2 per cent of NHS staff in Devon are from a BAME background - with some voicing concerns over a lack of representation and career progression in the organisations.
Many of those questioned felt under-represented at senior levels of the organisations and while incidents of overt racism were deemed 'rare' the report added that perception wise "When they occur they are not dealt with effectively by their organisations."
Some respondents felt diversity was not a priority and while they valued and welcomed having dedicated BAME support networks they had concerns about them lasting long-term.
Some service users felt their health concerns were not taken seriously as a result of cultural backgrounds - causing some communities to engage less with the NHS. There were concerns about 'cultural insensitivities' such as religious dietary requirements among those questioned.
Access to services for those who have limited English was also deemed 'more challenging' during the the pandemic, according to the report.
The 34 recommendations to Devon's NHS include developing 'community reference groups' and creating a 'BAME staff network'. Also 'cultural awareness training' and better translation and interpretation services.
Jane Milligan, Chief Exec, admits they didn't have a 'coherent or consistent approach' and the ongoing work has 'ensured we have a better offer' across the whole NHS system in Devon - adding that 'reverse mentoring' would be looked at to 'hear from people on the ground'.
She pledged to ensure networks are listened to via a 'mirror shining back at us', adding that: 'We need to constantly make sure that we're not just ticking the boxes."
Andrew Milward, chief exec of communications, IT and people, said they want to get better at 'selling Devon' to help recruit new staff and 'keep the people who study here' in the county - and cited the high cost of accommodation as a factor in attracting and keeping staff.
Across the CCG BAME staff make up 2.2 per cent of the population, compared with the Devon average of 6.4 per cent.
The meeting heard the NHS worked with the Muslim community to install a pop-up vaccination centre at Exeter Mosque as part of engagement work.
The meeting also heard recent efforts to engage with the Polish community in Devon has increased links dramatically - and the work would be used to inform further engagement with different communities.
For more about Devon CCG's diversity work and reports click here
For more about tonight's meeting click here
For the Torbay & South Devon NHS evidence session click here
For the Devon & Cornwall Police evidence session click here
For more about the Devon & Somerset fire service appearing click here
For more about the chair of the review, councillor Jermaine Atiya-Alla being targeted in a hate crime click here