I think the consultant was correct. The other approach seems to be a
misguided adoption of the 'customer is always right'. I don't think they
were right either to meet a request of an Asian woman to be treated by an
Asian woman. I can see the validity of a woman wanting to be treated by a
woman rather than a man but I cannot see why the race of the woman is
relevant.
Geoff
*************************************
Geoff Smith
Assistant Secretary
University Secretariat
Sheffield Hallam University
City Campus
Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB
Tel: 0114 225 3854
Fax: 0114 225 3498
Email: [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Berry Dicker
Sent: 10 December 2003 14:00
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Racism can be both witting and unwitting
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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