The government plan to improve services to minority communities with the introduction of NHS Equality and Diversity Councils which is a new forum tasked with providing clear leadership on equality and diversity issues.
The former head of the Commission for Racial Equality, Lord Ouseley said: ‘I welcome the proposal to establish the Equality and Diversity Council. It has the potential, if it works effectively, to enable the NHS to focus coherently on the quality of, and access to, healthcare, which benefits all patients, service users and communities.' This new forum will be accountable to the NHS Management Board and is part of the Government's drive to improve the quality of service delivery within the National Health Service.

The council will be chaired by NHS Chief Executive, David Nicholson who said that, ‘The NHS is on a journey of reform to be able to deliver personalised services that meet the needs of individual patients and local communities.
The Council will play a really important role in supporting the NHS to work towards this goal,'

Seeking New Members!

They are now seeking lay members to apply to join the forum from patient groups, NHS staff, social care and voluntary organisations. This council will work alongside the National Leadership Council and the National Quality Board on diversity issues. Members will also work to set the framework to support and encourage NHS staff and organisations to work closely with the communities they serve in the delivery of personalised services. They will also ensure managers are encouraged to consider equality and diversity issues and champion the involvement of all in the innovation and good practice within the NHS.

Advertisements for Council lay members who can provide a wider perspective and challenge traditional thinking will appear in the national and trade press in early September!