NHS Grampian launches anti-racism plan

A new Anti-Racism Plan has been launched by NHS Grampian, believed to be the first of its kind in Scotland.

The Anti-Racism Plan's launch marks the beginning of a 12-month programme to raise awareness and offer training opportunities across all NHS Grampian sites. 

Chair of the Board of NHS Grampian, Alison Evison, says they're making a commitment to challenge racism.

Roda Anunciado-Bird, Interim Equality and Diversity Manager for NHS Grampian said: “Being aware of our own unconscious biases and working to overcome them is really important.

"One of the ways we're going to help colleagues and students across Grampian is by offering training on active bystandership.

"This teaches you how to safely intervene when you see racism or discrimination happening.”  

Dr Petrus Elofuke, who is a Consultant Physician and Associate Director of Medical Education added: “We need to be willing to have difficult conversations about race and racism.

"We know that’s not always easy, but we need to be willing to listen to the experiences of others.

"Racism can lead to increased stress, anxiety and depression among healthcare workers, and makes it difficult for people to focus on their work and on their patients.

"We can work together to help address that.”   

Ms Evison added: “We have a dedicated and caring workforce, and I'm confident that by working together we can create an anti-racist NHS Grampian that is a beacon for other organisations in the North East and across Scotland.”