RCN comments on PHE report on understanding the impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities
Commenting on the Public Health England report 'understanding the impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities'. Susan Masters, RCN Director of Nursing, Policy and Practice, said:
“If UK Governments had acted on the advice of previous reviews and reports, BAME nursing staff across the UK would have been better protected going into this pandemic.
“We’ve been calling on employers in all health care settings to take swift and comprehensive action to support and protect BAME staff through targeted risk assessments. These new recommendations show clearly why they must take place to avoid needless loss of life.
“In terms of the larger systemic issues in England outlined in the report, the UK Governments must invest in coherent measures to tackle health inequalities and develop a cross-governmental strategy.
"There must be costed action plans to tackle racial disparities across society. Much research has already been undertaken in this area, and what the government must do now is act.”
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