Supporting our BAME colleagues across the NHS

The Chief Executives and Chairs of the NHS organisations in Lincolnshire have today jointly issued a statement of support and respect for their black, Asian and minority ethnic colleagues who work across the NHS in the county.

“Over the past few months, the work of everyone in the NHS in facing the challenge of Coronavirus has been recognised and valued by patients, the public and the NHS organisations in Lincolnshire, and it is also the right time to emphasise our unequivocal support and respect for our NHS BAME colleagues.

“The Black Lives Matter movement has highlighted to us all the issues and barriers faced everyday here and abroad by our black, Asian and minority ethnic colleagues and friends.  It has also drawn our attention to the many ways in which we need to continue to progress and change to remove these barriers.

“We warmly welcome the recent statement on this national matter by Sir Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of the NHS in England, which can be found here. We recognise that these are issues which exist here in Lincolnshire, not just elsewhere and we stand in support of our BAME colleagues and against all racism, and prejudice or discriminatory behaviour.

“BAME staff play such a fundamental part in, and make a vital contribution to, the NHS in Lincolnshire across general practice, community, mental health, our hospital services, and across commissioning. We are very proud of their work and commitment as part of the wider NHS team. Without this contribution, we would simply not be able to offer the level of patient care and services which patients in Lincolnshire need. We understand the importance of leading by example to embed positive change and retain the confidence and trust of our BAME colleagues.

“We want to provide this message of support and respect to them all, and reaffirm our commitment to continue to work with and support them as part of our collective commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion for all, not just while this is so prominent in the media, but every day."