New NHS Equality and Diversity Council announced

A new Equality and Diversity Council that will aim to augment the national focus on enhancing quality in the NHS had been announced by the Department of Health.

The panel’s key role will be to report on issues relating to equality and diversity – including campaigning for change and supporting improvement – to the NHS Management Board.

Set to be chaired by NHS chief executive David Nicholson, the panel will include members of NHS staff and representatives from patient groups, social care and voluntary organisations.

Commenting, Phil Hope, minister with responsibility for equality and diversity, who is also the Labour MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, said that the creation of the panel is an “important step” for the NHS.

“It will have a vital role in championing and challenging the NHS to fulfil our shared ambition of high-quality care for all. Its work will be critical to the innovation agenda both in terms of our workforce and the services we deliver,” he added.