An inclusive NHS

SIR – Work to instill values and behaviours creating a more equal, diverse and inclusive health service that ensures fair treatment and opportunity for everyone is not “woke ideology” (report, June 19).

Lord Lilley (Comment, June 19) acknowledges that “eliminating discrimination is important” – as does the constructive report by General Sir Gordon Messenger and Dame Linda Pollard, which highlights the importance of investing in people alongside operational and political priorities.

There must be zero tolerance of all forms of discrimination. Too often we see yet more evidence of terrible treatment suffered by ethnic minority staff. In a survey released last week, more than half of senior ethnic minority leaders said they were thinking about leaving the NHS due to workplace racism. Tackling deeprooted health inequalities, made worse by the pandemic, is vital too for better patient care. People from ethnic minority communities have worse experiences of healthcare than other patients and that must change.

Leaders of NHS trusts – employers of more than a million people – are committed to ensuring that staff at every level, working flat out to clear care backlogs and look after patients, are treated with dignity and respect. Fighting discrimination helps to recruit and hold on to valued staff and fosters an environment where everyone feels safe and welcome.

The Messenger review underlines the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion to an NHS-wide culture that combats discrimination for the good of its staff and patients.

Saffron Cordery

Interim chief executive, NHS Providers Matthew Taylor Chief executive, NHS Confederation London SW1