Become A Wiser, More Profitable Trader

NHS must tackle racism and sexism for the benefit of patients, staff, and society

Despite the NHS being founded on the principle of equitable treatment for all,1 discrimination remains rife.2 Inequities related to protected characteristics such as race, sex, gender reassignment, age, disability, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and religion and belief contribute directly to increased risk of physical and mental health conditions, limit access to care, shape negative experiences of illness and encounters with services, and lead to worse overall health outcomes, including mortality.3 “Proportionate universalism”—adjusting the intensity of universal services to combat discrimination—has not gained widespread acceptance.4Extensive evidence of bias and mistreatment of patients and staff is unequivocal, and recurring discrimination worsens lifelong health.5678 Health inequalities lead annually to productivity losses of £31-£33bn, lost taxes ...

BMJ     Jul 02, 2025