- Conference
- 2003 Health Care Service Group Conference
- Date
- 1 December 2002
- Decision
- Carried
Conference welcomes the provisions of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 which place a positive duty on all public health bodies to eliminate unlawful discrimination, and promote equality of opportunity and good race relations in all their functions.
Conference believes that these provisions should be extended to cover all discrimination grounds to give a legislative framework to addressing institutionalised homophobia, heterosexism, ageism, disablism and other forms of discrimination in the delivery of health care services.
However, Conference notes that frameworks on their own achieve nothing. Conference welcomes the commitment in the NHS Plan to addressing inequalities in health and steps that have been taken such as the establishment of the Department of Health external reference group on sexual orientation, which has a broad remit to look at all issues of sexuality which may impact on the functions of the Department of Health.
Conference recognises the vital role of trade unions and trade union members in identifying issues, raising awareness, pushing for change and demonstrating best practice in the delivery of services. Conference particularly welcomes the joint work between UNISON and other unions on promoting best practice on ‘next of kin’ issues for lesbian and gay patients.
Conference instructs the Health Service Group Executive:
1.To campaign with other parts of the union for equivalent provisions to the RR(A)A on all discrimination grounds;
2.To highlight the role of all levels of the union in negotiating for and promoting equality, disseminating examples of best practice and challenging institutional and individual discrimination;
3.3.To discuss with the National Lesbian and Gay Committee effective methods for taking forward the work of promoting sexual orientation equality in the delivery of healthcare services.