GatenbySanderson are committed to tackling important issues and as part of this year’s Black History Month, we are focusing on health disparities within the Black community. This aligns with the Black History Month theme of reclaiming narratives, where we aim to challenge and reshape the narrative around healthcare inequalities and highlight the leaders and exemplary leadership behaviours driving change in this space.
One such leader is renowned social commentator and campaigner Patrick Vernon OBE. Chair of Birmingham and Solihull NHS Integrated Care Board Patrick Vernon joined Jade Beckles, our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager to discuss these critical issues and share his invaluable insights from within our National Health Service. Patrick shares how he and his team are focused on building confidence and trust in the NHS – not just for patients and citizens, but just as critically, for staff, to overcome the health disparities in Black and racialised communities. Hear how they are also investing in improving the diversity of their talent pipeline and increasing representation while engaging communities to talk about their work beyond performance and delivery:
About Patrick Vernon OBE
Patrick Vernon OBE leads the charge on addressing health inequalities within our ethnic minority communities. His pioneering role as the first Non Executive Director for the inequalities in the country reflects his unwavering commitment to tackling systemic disparities in healthcare. Patrick is also the founder of 100 Great Black Britons and every generation media initiatives that celebrate Black British history and cultural heritage. His work has earned him numerous accolades. Including being named one of British Vogue’s top 20 campaigners and featuring on the power list of 100 influential Black Britons. Honoured with an OBE in 2012 for his work on health inequalities, Patrick continues to be an advocate for inclusion, diversity and equity in public health.
Find out more and make your pledge for 333 Pledges 333 Lives:
In the UK, people of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage have significantly lower chances of finding a matching stem cell (bone marrow) donor compared to a patient from white, northern European heritage. This disparity costs lives. Did you know that stem cell donation is ethnicity-specific, meaning you are likely to find a donor from someone with the same or similar heritage as you? By increasing the number of people of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage joining the register, we can begin to address this disparity.
By pledging today, you can help close this gap and give hope to someone in need, reclaiming the narrative around health disparities in the UK.