Criticism of NHS for Racial Inequalities in Patient Care

• Lord Adebowale highlighted systemic racial inequalities in the NHS through his mother's personal experience.
• Research indicates a higher mortality risk for Black patients compared to White patients.
• NHS England is working to improve access to healthcare services and address inequalities in the health system.

This was reported by BBC, The Guardian.

Introduction

Lord Victor Adebowale, chair of the NHS Confederation, expressed concern over racial inequalities in the UK healthcare system. He shared the experience of his mother, Grace, who died at 92 from lung cancer that was not diagnosed until her death.

Systemic Issues

Lord Adebowale noted that his mother received "Black care, not NHS care." He emphasized that patients of African descent receive poorer treatment, supported by numerous studies showing that Black patients have worse health outcomes.

Personal Experience

Adebowale recounted that his mother, who worked as a nurse, did not receive an adequate diagnosis during her final years. When she was hospitalized, her condition was poor, and the family did not receive clear information about the causes of her death until after an autopsy.

Expression of Concern

Speaking at an NHS conference, Adebowale called for changes in the healthcare system, stating that "people who look like me do not receive proper care." He emphasized that this is not an individual issue, but a reflection of systemic inequalities in the healthcare system.

Research and Statistics

Research shows that Black British mothers are four times more likely to die during pregnancy or within six weeks after childbirth compared to White mothers. Additionally, patients of African descent are twice as likely to be subject to compulsory hospitalization under mental health legislation.

Conclusions and Next Steps

NHS England confirmed that it is working to improve access to services and address inequalities, which should be an important part of the 10-year health plan. Lord Adebowale called for leadership in addressing these issues, noting that simply investing money is not enough without action.

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