Today’s blog in support of Race Equality Week is from Hemlata Fletcher, business manager for our medical directorate and a member of our Race Equality Network (REN), which seeks to enhance the experiences of staff and patients in regards to racial equality and acts as a collective voice for staff members from different racial backgrounds. Hemlata shares her thoughts on the value of this week and how treating people equally, regardless of their race, is vital for colleagues, carers and patient care.

“Race Equality to me means treating people fairly and equally regardless of their colour, nationality or ethnic origin.  My values align with the trust’s values of working together, being at our best, and making a difference. I know in our NWAS Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Annual Report 2021-22 we make a strong commitment to caring for all patients, service users, their families and carers and staff in a manner which embraces, respects, promotes and celebrates inclusion and cultural diversity.

“Since joining the trust a few months ago I’ve received such a warm welcome into Team NWAS. I am proud to have joined the trust’s REN, which I feel helps strengthen relationships between staff from a diverse range of backgrounds. Highlighting the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion helps create a positive environment and a feeling of belonging for all our staff.

“Embracing different races helps represent the communities we serve to create a fair and equal society, where people are recognised as individuals and not judged negatively because of their race. It is important to challenge discrimination and raise any concerns. We will continue to work together within the network to take action to ensure that personal biases do not lead to discrimination against our patients, carers and our colleagues.”