NHS Lothian is committed to reducing inequalities in health and at work and upholding our values including dignity and respect.
We have carried out significant work to support our Equality and Human Rights strategy and ensure that everyone who works for NHS Lothian and uses our services feel valued and included. We all have different backgrounds and identities, and we are all welcome.
This work has included launching our anti-racism plan, enhancing education, training and resources and listening and responding to staff and patients.
But there is always more we can do. Prejudice, racism and intolerance have no place in NHS Lothian.
Discrimination can be complex and can appear in many different forms. It can be intentional, and it can also be unintentional or a mistake. However, it always has a negative impact on people. It causes people harm and distress, and leads to poorer health, wellbeing and employment outcomes. That is why it is important we can all feel confident in recognising and reporting it when it happens or challenging it if is safe and appropriate – Understand, acknowledge and act!
Our latest campaign ‘Together against intolerance’ aims to raise awareness that prejudice, racism and intolerance have no place at NHS Lothian. The campaign also aims to share information about the work being done to make NHS Lothian inclusive and a welcoming place to be, and to direct staff to the wide range of support available to help us play our part in making NHS Lothian a safe and inclusive place for everyone. This includes:
- Information about discrimination and people’s experiences of it
- Wide range of all staff training covering topics such as anti-racism, equality diversity and inclusion and disability and reasonable adjustments
- Bespoke training packages available on request
- A library of best practice information and resources
- Information about how to report discrimination or inequalities at work
- Directing patients to where they can report concerns
- An annual staff equality and inclusion survey
- Posters (available here) available on request or to print and display
- Wellbeing resources and support
- Training video for staff on Understanding Racism
If you have any questions, concerns or need support from the Equality and Human Rights team you can contact them on: LOTH.equalityandhumanrights@nhs.scot
