PHE report on BAME Covid-19 deaths ‘must lead to change’, says CSP

The CSP has welcomed the publication of a previously-withheld Public Health England report into the impact of Covid-19 on Black, Asian and minority ethnic people.

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The report, from public health regional director for London Prof Kevin Fenton, said racism and social and economic inequalities were among the factors that could explain the higher death rate and Black and Asian groups and made seven recommendations.

 These included measures to improve access to and experience of, NHS services for BAME groups, risk assessments for BAME workers and the development of more culturally sensitive health campaigns and prevention services.

 Prof Karen Middleton, chief executive of the CSP, said:

 ‘This substantial publication provides clear recommendations for how to address the horrifying inequalities confirmed in the earlier report from Public Health England and experienced daily by BAME communities across the UK.

 ‘The recommendations must be adopted and acted upon to lead to real change. Too many previous reports have been left to gather dust, with the tragic consequences made clear during the pandemic.

 'But we know that we also have our part to play – from increasing BAME representation in the profession to ensuring our own campaigns are designed in partnership with the communities they aim to support – and we are determined to do that.

 ‘Through our links to the TUC and other CSP-affiliated organisations, we will also campaign to root out the scourge of racism in our society.

 ‘Prof Fenton’s report is a call to action we must all hear to deliver a fairer society.’

 

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