NHS 'breaching race laws'

NHS trusts must do more to promote racial equality, the Department of Health (DoH) has demanded in the wake of an investigation which finds most are breaking race laws.

The Health Commission research reveals that despite requirements under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act, few NHS trusts are actively promoting racial equality at work and in their services. When the commission examined the websites of 570 trusts, it found that only seven – one per cent – had provided sufficient details about their racial equality policies.

Jamie Rentoul, the Health Commission's head of strategy was "disappointed" by the findings, which also showed in the way trusts assess progress.

DoH equality and human rights director Surinder Sharma demanded every NHS trust "give immediate attention to remedying this situation", adding: "The Department of Health takes these findings very seriously.

"All NHS organisations must ensure they are fully compliant with the Race Relations Act and publicly set out how they are meeting their responsibilities."

More information from the Commission of Racial Equality