Leeds Primary Care Race Equity Network
Come join us as we work towards creating a fairer society for all. This network is part of our local efforts to put general practice at the centre of making a sustainable contribution to tackle inequalities that affect our staff and patients.
Monthly Spotlight Piece
Show moreHappy Chinese New Year to our colleagues celebrating and wishing you all good fortune for the year ahead. We hope that you have been able to enjoy festivities with your friends and family.
Whilst it is a time to celebrate the rich diversity of our communities it also offers an important opportunity to reflect on the challenges that Asian communities can face. This was highlighted in the rise in anti-Asian rhetoric during and after the Covid pandemic.
Show lessMany feel that racial equity work in this country often focuses on the experiences of Black and South Asian individuals but it’s crucial to understand that race equity encompasses all our communities. The complexity of this means that a nuanced and inclusive approach is required when making our colleagues and patients feel valued and heard.
February also marks Race Equality Week 2025 and an occasion for all of us to consider ways we in which we can make a meaningful difference.
We appreciate that working in primary care with winter pressures can be overwhelming so we have put together three simple ideas to mark this week which can be easily implemented.
Share Stories
Encourage staff to share personal stories or experiences related to race equality. This is an opportunity to share perspectives in a non-threatening environment, fosters better working relationships and allows individuals to bring their authentic selves to work.
Utilise Existing Online Resources
Race Equality Matters have a 5-day challenge which be done as an organisation. It requires individuals to take 5 minutes out of their day for 5 days to reflect on this important topic.
Celebrate Cultural Days
During Race Equality Week, highlight cultural days, holidays, or heritage months that celebrate diverse racial backgrounds. For example, you could host a “Cultural Awareness” day where staff can share traditions or food from their cultures. Please see the updated cultural calendar for 2025.
These activities require minimal preparation, and the goal is to keep things engaging and approachable for all staff, regardless of their level of involvement with diversity initiatives.
Mariya Aziz, Leeds Primary Care Race Equity Lead
Community Involvement
Community Involvement is crucial for race projects in healthcare to ensure that they are effective, culturally sensitive, and address the needs of the communities they serve. We aim to do this by having a presence which connects general practice to the local communities.
Setting Standards
Setting standards for race equity in healthcare is essential to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all staff and patients regardless of their race or ethnicity. By implementing these standards in healthcare, organisations can work towards eliminating disparities, improving health outcomes, and promoting equitable access for all. We aim to do this by promoting engagement and education of our staff and patients.
Improving Patient Care
Improving patient care for those from diverse backgrounds is important because it promotes equity, cultural understanding, trust, better health outcomes, addresses disparities, meets legal and ethical standards, and contributes to public health. We hope that by looking after our staff and their individual needs this is reflected in care and attitudes to patients.
Diverse Leadership
Diverse leadership in healthcare is essential for promoting health equity, enhancing patient experiences, driving innovation, and fostering inclusive and culturally competent environments. It is crucial for healthcare organisations to prioritise diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in leadership recruitment, retention, and development to ensure the delivery of high quality, patient centred care for all individuals and communities. We hope to hold local organisations accountable with regards to recruitment and retention of diverse staff.
Raising Awareness
Raising awareness of race equity in healthcare is crucial. It addresses disparities and promotes a more just and inclusive healthcare system, supporting those that work within the system and the reduction of health inequalities. We support raising awareness through regular information in general practice communication emails, via the website, through staff workshops and peer network meetings.
Dismantling Barriers
Dismantling barriers is crucial for achieving race equity in healthcare as these obstacles perpetuate systemic disparities that disproportionately affect marginalised communities. It is vital for breaking the cycle of generational health inequalities. Many individuals from marginalised communities face historical and systemic obstacles that impact their health outcomes. We endeavour to breakthrough these barriers from grassroots through to leadership.
Peer Support
Peer support fosters understanding, empowerment, and collaboration between colleagues. It promotes cultural competence by offering insights into the cultural nuances and preferences of specific communities. It allows a platform to share stories, helping break down isolation and reinforces the notion that their experiences are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of systemic issues. We have bi-monthly peer support network meetings, please join us for our next meeting!
We’d like to welcome all our primary care colleagues to join the network. Please complete the below form to register your interest.