NHS Surrey Heartlands ICB Anti-racism statement
NHS England, NHS Surrey Heartlands and our voluntary sector partner Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum (SMEF) are committed to tackling racial hatred in all its forms. We stand with all our colleagues, workforce and residents of Surrey from ethnic minority communities and people of all faiths.
We have zero tolerance of racism and any discriminatory behaviour. We are committed to providing workplaces and services where everyone feels safe, valued and supported, regardless of the background, faith or identity.
In the UK the healthcare sector has always welcomed and relied on international recruits. Our workforce has always been ethnically diverse, contributing to a wide range of expertise and knowledge. Our NHS would not survive without the expertise and commitment of our international workforce. We value working alongside our voluntary, charitable, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) partners, many of whom provide services on behalf of the NHS. These valued doctors, healthcare and VCFSE workers must be allowed to care and support residents of Surrey without the threat of racism.
We are committed to creating services which welcome and respect our diverse cultures and faiths of the people of Surrey. Surrey Heartlands will continue to prioritise working in partnership with our ethnic minority communities and VCSFE partners, and to build inclusive services which are respectful of all cultures and faiths.
If you are a service user and have experienced racism during your NHS care within Surrey Heartlands, please contact the Patients Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for the health organisation providing your care. Details for organisations can be found on Connect to Support Surrey.
If you are a healthcare staff member who has experienced racism within your workplace, speak to your line manager or Freedom to Speak Up Guardian.
For more information on how to build an anti-racist culture in your healthcare organisation, please find more information via: