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Black History Month 2022: Time for Change
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October is Black History Month, which celebrates the achievements and contributions of people with African and Caribbean heritage and highlights the continuing effects of racism and negative stereotyping.
Inequality in Health and Social Care
The Care Quality Commission’s ‘State of Care’ report for 2021/22 has highlighted the inequalities that exist in England’s health and care system.
In February this year, the NHS Race and Health Observatory published its review into Ethnic Inequalities in Healthcare which found evidence of racist abuse from staff members and patients within the NHS. This was particularly stark for Black groups. It also discovered that Black children are 10 times more likely to be referred to CAMHS via social services relative to White British children.
Making Change
NHS Providers’ race and health equality survey showed that, in spite of these challenges, providers have prioritised tackling inequalities.
Beyond addressing inequality at the point of delivery, leaders on the new integrated care boards (ICBs) also have a key role in ensuring they take a systematic approach to addressing inequalities across the areas they manage.
The CQC, as outlined in their strategy, have said they will continue to check that care provided in local systems is also reducing inequalities in their care.
The Importance of Black History Month
“This is the time to celebrate those who’ve gone before us, those whose beliefs and actions paved the way for change”, says Sarah Maguire, Choice Support CEO. “As the novelist, Kate Mosse said: ‘it is our lives that make real history.’ It is the actions we choose to take and the choices we make that affect change. Don’t wait for October each year to be a part of history every day.”
