When I worked in the personnel function of an acute trust, we had a very
clear policy on patients who asked to be treated by a white member of
staff (which they sometimes did). It was Trust policy to advise patients
in such circumstances that there was another hospital 30 miles down the
road, and they could seek treatment either there, or through the even
more local BUPA hospital, if they were not prepared to accept the
treatment that we offered. There was no tolerance for racist requests,
and I'm surprised the group you observed thought there was even a
dilemna. The duty of care argument is fallacious - that is met when
treatment is offered. The trust would also potentially withold treatment
from patients who were violent (usually through drink) towards staff,
because there was also a duty of care to staff. That might seem more
reasonable to the group you observed - but in reality the issue of duty
of care to staff is the same in both cases.
Christine
-----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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