Special support for minority ethnic staff

HOSPITAL staff from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds in Cornwall will be given support and advice as they are at higher risk from Covid-19.

There have been concerns nationally that BAME people are at higher risk of catching the virus and what that means for those working in health and social care.

Data both nationally and internationally has suggested that people from BAME backgrounds are disproportionately affected by Covid-19.

Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT) said that it is planning to hold a special Q&A session with BAME staff to listen to any concerns and provide support.

Susan Bracefield, chief operating officer and Covid-19 lead at RCHT, said: “There has been a lot nationally about BAME. We are making sure we are doing all we can to protect that group of staff and also communicating regularly with all staff about any particular risk factors.”

RCHT chief executive Kate Shields added yesterday: “We are just about to have a Q&A with BAME colleagues asking what they want from us rather than telling them what we are going to do.

“We have asked people what support they need and not making the assumption that they would want to move from any areas but might want a better risk assessment.

“We have also been talking to them about having vitamin D injections.

“We are a very white county and we are encouraging our BAME staff to have a voice to get to a point where it is a proper conversation where they can speak and we are just starting that now.”