Loved the story Mannie.
It has a happier ending than one I heard repeated in several guises at a
training session I observed on the RRAA for health professionals (nothing
what so ever to do with our University though I dare say the dilemma exists
throughout the NHS).
Health professionals often find themselves in the situation where a
patients refuse treatment from a black member of staff. The thinking of the
group being trained was that they have a duty of care to the patient so
they have found another, white member of staff to treat the patient.
After discussion about the RRAA they decided that they would still do the
same but inform the patient that this was an illegal request!!
I was worried by the outcome of the discussion though. being there as an
observer only, I could say nothing until afterwards. In discussion
afterwards I was told that this particular Trust was working on group
specific provision, eg if an Asian woman wanted a female Asian nurse they
would seek to meet this request, therefore a white person's request should
also be met. I must say I am very unsure about this way of proceeding, what
do others think?
A senior member of staff present made two points. Firstly, what is the
effect of this behaviour on black (visible minority) staff? If they do not
feel supported by white colleagues they will vote with their feet and the
NHS would suffer.
The second was a story he told of a consultant who, met with the same
request, replied that this was a member of staff he had appointed and he
had complete faith in. If the patient did not trust his (the consultant's)
judgement he should seek treatment elsewhere.
These are some recollections prompted by the story you circulated.
Berry
At 10:14 10/12/03 -0000, you wrote:
>What would you have done,if you were the captain??? Honestly???
>
>How do you think that this applies to some of the challenges that we might
>meet under the RRAA requirements for good practice for all.
>
>I hope you come up with some interesting answers.
>
>As usual, comments are welcome!!!
>
>Regards
>
>Mannie.
>
>
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