The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System has published the statement below in response to the Black Lives Matter campaign which we wholeheartedly support:
Recent events sparked by the death of George Floyd in America, and the confirmation that COVID19 is adversely affecting BAME groups have brought into sharp focus the inequalities that continue to exist across the country.
The health and care organisations working across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are committed to addressing inequalities and tackling discrimination of any kind, both within our organisations and in our local communities.
We value the contribution of all cultures and the rich diversity of our communities is something we take pride in and celebrate.
However words mean little on their own. Our commitment must be underpinned by action. We welcome the national measures that have been announced, including the creation of a new Race and Health Observatory for the NHS. Over the coming weeks we will be working with our partners across health and social care to articulate what we will do at a local level to support our BAME staff members and communities. This is a small but important step to long-lasting change.