§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are in place to address the specific health needs of different ethnic minority groups; and if she will make a statement. [25938]
§ Mr. SackvilleWe are totally committed to ensuring that people from ethnic minorities should benefit fully from the national health service. The reforms we have introduced into the NHS require health authorities to assess the health needs of their local population and to deliver the services to meet these needs. To improve information about the use of health services by people from ethnic minorities from 1 April 1995 it is mandatory to record the ethnic group of patients who use in-patient or day-case services. This data will enable purchasers and 767W providers to examine the uptake of services, monitor standards and identify any gaps in service provision.
Since 1989, we have made available £3 million to provide funding for projects to improve access to health services and information for ethnic minorities. The projects are now related specifically to "The Health of the Nation" key areas and to the rights and standards outlined in the patients charter. The patients charter is available in 11 ethnic languages and has been widely distributed.
We have also established the ethnic health unit as part of the NHS Executive. The aim of the unit is to promote good practice in the NHS, support managers in developing links with local communities and to build ethnic health into the mainstream work of the NHS. The unit has funded many local initiatives to improve services to ethnic minorities.