Despite years of research and recommendations, ethnic health disparities remain stark in the UK. A recent report by the NHS revealed that Black people are:
- Nearly four times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act
- Less likely to be offered talking therapies or culturally appropriate services
- More likely to report poor experiences in mental health and primary care settings
South Asian groups continue to experience higher rates of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and poorer access to preventative care, and yet, conservations about ethnicity and health outcomes often stay focused on patients, not leadership.
Why this matters as a leader
- Commissioning and provision choices directly affect who gets care, and how they receive it
- Staff training and supervision shape how services are delivered across cultures
- Community partnerships can uncover barriers to access, trust, and engagement
Tackling disparities means understanding the social and systemic barriers that still exist, and being honest about where our own services could do better.
