The need for action on race and inequalities across our North West health system is clear.  We know that health and racism are inextricably linked. Racism and discrimination are deeply ingrained in the social, political, and economic fabric of our society and have a harmful impact on individuals and communities of colour. As leaders we have a responsibility to address structural racism and the deep seated inequalities that cause inequalities in health. As a system and within our own organisations we must make addressing racism and inequalities a key priority.

As co-chair and a member of the NHS North West Race Equity Assembly (formerly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Assembly) our role is to provide visible leadership, expertise and offer constructive support and challenge with a focus on developing practical solutions to removing bias from systems and processes and tackle the underlying causes of racial inequalities in health and workforce outcomes. Our vision is to see a significant and sustained change within the NHS, based on what really matters to our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic colleagues and communities, tackling inequalities and taking positive action on racism. Our ambition is for the NHS in the North West to be Anti-Racist and at the forefront of challenging and tackling racism and the health inequalities faced and experienced by people in our communities, brought into stark relief by the pandemic.

Evelyn Asante-Mensah
Chair
Race Equity Assembly
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust​