SaTH forms group to promote equality and diversity

26 May 2021

A new group has been formed by the Trust that runs Shropshire’s acute hospital to address inequalities in accessing acute health care.

Feedback from members of the public and patients at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford has suggested that sectors of the community feel they do not get equal access to NHS services and hospital treatments.

To respond to these concerns The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which runs the two hospitals, formed a new group to promote all aspects of equality, diversity, and inclusivity and to challenge health inequalities for both individuals and communities. Applications to join were invited from representatives of all interested groups.

The new Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity group is chaired by Kal Parkash, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Lead at SaTH.  Kal has vast equality and diversity policy development experience at a high level, and has experience of working in partnership within complex organisations.

She said: “I have always had a passion for equality and diversity, and this has followed me through all the organisations I have worked with.

“I hope that my contribution, along with group members’ contributions, will combine to make our patients’ experience of SaTH exceed their expectations.

“I hope that on learning of the group, other interested people and/or organisations will join us. It is my wish that our group will grow to become even more representative of the wider community.”

The group is co-chaired by Claire Duffield-Townsend. Claire’s interests range through mental health, hidden disabilities, and LGBT+ issues.

Claire said: “I’m thrilled to be elected co-chair of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Group. To work alongside such diverse and experienced group members can only be a positive force for good.

“There are areas that need our attention, and I am sure, others that we are not yet aware of, but with us all working together we can make a positive difference.”

For more information about the group, contact Ellie Gunner-Taylor, Patient Experience Assistant, by calling 01743 261000 Ext: 2503, or emailing ellie.gunner1@nhs.net.