§ Mr. McDonnellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he proposes to take to tackle racial discrimination in the health service. [4044]
MrMilburnWe are determined to take action to ensure that the Health Service is free from racial discrimination. The NHS Executive has signed up to the Commission for Racial Equality's "Leadership Challenge" as a signal of our commitment in the European Year Against Racism.
The NHS Equal Opportunities Unit is working with NHS employers, professional bodies, the Commission for Racial Equality, trade unions and others to enhance the capacity of the Service to tackle discrimination and encourage adoption of good practice. This work includes supporting NHS trusts and health authorities, whose Chairs and Chief Executives are accountable for meeting the goals of "Ethnic minority staff in the NHS: a programme for action", by promoting and disseminating best practice. Progress towards these goals forms part of the "NHS as a good employer" benchmark set out in the annual Priorities and Planning guidance.