To mark International Day of Elimination of Racial Discrimination, some of the recent participants in the Culturally Sensitive Support in Multicultural Healthcare Teams share their thoughts on their experience of the programme and their thoughts on how we can all play a role in eliminating racial discrimination across Health and Social Care in Dumfries and Galloway.
We’re very grateful to Emma, Aurelia, Katie and Anthea for sharing their thoughts and to all those who have participated in the programme, which has been offered to four cohorts by external consultant Gillian Neish. 100% of participants have said they would recommend the course to colleagues:
‘This training is really essential and I hope it can be made available or extended to everyone’
‘Very effective session, important for moving forward in tackling racism and discrimination’
‘Helpful to learn about mitigating racism, facilitated in a way that kept us all open and honest’
The learning and conversations that the programme facilitates are part of ongoing work within the HSCP to open up dialogue about how we can all play a role in the Elimination of Racial Discrimination within the workplace and wider society.
Lynsey Fitzpatrick and Kerry Riddell, E&D Team, NHS Dumfries and Galloway
‘The biggest point that stood out for me during this programme was seeing and hearing the pain from colleagues who have experienced racial discrimination by both patients – and unbelievably – staff members. It left me feeling saddened and outraged that here in Dumfries and Galloway this happens more regularly than we know about. The session made me go away and think about what I am willing to know about and not do anything about – very little after this. It has given me more confidence challenging discrimination overall and thinking about my own beliefs and power imbalances overall – even if not intentional’
Emma Reid, Advanced Practice Physiotherapist
‘The course has been an eye opener and has opened conversation in a safe space,where participants were able to express their views and learn more about what is happening in members working lives.’
Aurelia Kungu, Staff Nurse
‘I recently attended the Mentoring Across Difference workshop provided by the Health Board because eliminating racial discrimination in the workplace is important to me, but I sometimes feel awkward discussing race and racism. What did I take away from the workshop? That individually we have more in common than our differences, but the systemic and cultural differences between working and living in the UK versus elsewhere can put our new starts on the back foot when it comes to getting on and getting ahead in their career.’
Katie Percival, Clinical Teaching Fellow
‘Enlightening, engaging and interesting.’
Anthea Banks, Executive Assistant
Participants in Cohort Two consider actions that can be taken to implement a more culturally sensitive workplace
If you would like to become an Ally to the D&G HSCP Ethnic Minority Network, please get in touch at dg.ethnicminoritynetwork@nhs.scot.
dghealth 
Powerful insights, and a timely reminder that it’s in everyone’s interest and everybody’s responsibility to challenge racial discrimination, especially the ‘them and us’ chatter which is all around us at this time.