In response to an NHS Race and Health Observatory report, Saffron
Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, said:
“This new report highlights worrying inequalities in access to
NHS ‘talking therapies’ for people from ethnic minority
backgrounds.
“It is deeply concerning that poor access to talking therapies
and longer waits for assessment are leading to worse outcomes and
experiences for people from ethnic minority backgrounds.
“While this research found areas of good practice and some
improvements with regards to NHS talking therapies, trust leaders
know much more needs to be done to tackle deep-rooted structural
racism, bias and discrimination in health services which leads to
poorer physical and mental health outcomes for ethnic minority
groups and those living in areas of high deprivation.
“The recommendations in this report, which include calls to
recruit ethnically diverse therapists, better training for staff
and for more local engagement promoting talking therapy services
among underserved communities are welcome.
“But it is vital also that we take a long, hard look at the wider
factors which can have profound effect on life chances.
“Alongside a sustained focus on supporting local health systems
to better address inequalities in access, experience and outcomes
of mental healthcare, it is vital that the government takes
action on the wider factors that contribute to wider societal
inequalities including housing and employment.”
