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Action needed for BAME workforce

Responding to the report from Public Health England 'Disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19', RPS President Sandra Gidley said:

“The outcome of this review is disappointing as it re-states the problem, rather than offering new insight.

“We had hoped for an action plan to address the issues for BAME patient-facing frontline clinicians. The report contains no recommendations or actions, and it is unclear how the Government plans to proceed.

“The Government needs to act much more quickly on this issue to make sure BAME pharmacists feel as safe as possible. This involves engaging with pharmacy on the topic to bring about real change to support and protect our workforce. There are also opportunities here about how pharmacists can support vulnerable populations and tackle health inequalities.

“The first step on from this report must be to ensure robust risk assessment and protection is in place for BAME staff along with other vulnerable groups, such as staff with existing health conditions.

“We will be following these issues up with the Equalities Minister as a matter of urgency.”

Read the full Public Health England 'Disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19' report here.

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