§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the findings of the Policy Studies Institute report entitled, "Nursing in a Multi-ethnic NHS"; what plans he has to implement its recommendations; and if he will make a statement. [9039]
§ Mr. HoramThe national health service is strongly committed to equal opportunities and funds a number of innovative schemes which support the practice as well as the principle of equal opportunity.
A series of regional conferences has been organised to encourage NHS employers to share good practice and promote positive action for ethnic minority staff as a result of the findings of the Policy Studies Institute report.
The report showed that ethnic minorities are better represented within the NHS nursing and midwifery work force than in the population as a whole, but nevertheless suggested areas where improvements might be made.