As we celebrate Black History month, I would encourage us all to be more purposeful about our approach to inclusion.
This year, I seem to have more questions than answers. It seems like we keep doing what we have been doing for years but expect different results.
It is important that we focus on our multicultural nature – both within CityCare and wider society - and what that means to each and every one of us.
There is untapped resource, knowledge and lived experience that can support us in decision making.
It can influence and support innovation, changing the ways we deliver care to suit the diverse communities we serve.
Many of our colleagues and patients are from African and Caribbean backgrounds and we need to ask ourselves:
- Are we giving them the chance to tell us what and how our care needs to change?
- How can the global majority influence the NHS to make quality improvements?
- Do we have a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve?
The data regarding career progression and health inequalities tells us that we need to do more.
I would encourage all of us to pick up the mantle this year and demonstrate support for our ethnic minority colleagues. There is a need for increased white allyship that embodies the three Cs - curiosity, creativity and credibility.
Anyone has the potential to be an ally, recognising that although they are not a member of the community they are supporting, they are making an effort to better understand the challenges being faced and, as a result, can become powerful supporting voices.
The potential for change is within CityCare, it is within this room - Happy Black History Month.
We would like to thank Khonzie, for all her contributions at CityCare and wish her well in her new adventures.
Khonzie talks about her experience regarding the recent unrest sparked by inaccurate and misleading social media posts following the tragedy in Southport earlier this year and the events that followed.
Date published: 8 October 2024
