Inclusivity and diversity in general practice

The disproportionate mortality rate from coronavirus in Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, as reported by Public Health England, alongside international events and awareness protests, have seen a growing and wide-ranging public discussion about racial equality in recent months. Londonwide LMCs has a strong track record of promoting equality and diversity, but there is always more that we can do and we will continue to look for new ways to be more inclusive and representative of the whole London general practice community.

Londonwide LMCs’ diversity position statement

We shared our diversity position statement at the end of June. The statement was produced jointly by Londonwide LMC’s staff team and Dr Dami Adedayo, Board Treasurer.

RCGP diversity campaign

At the start of July Dr Naureen Bhatti wrote to the RCGP calling for them to take greater steps to increase BAME representation at senior levels within the organisation. This was in part prompted by controversy around an RCGP event with a title which referred to coronavirus as a lifestyle disease.

The text of Dr Bhatti’s open letter can be viewed here and a response from Professor Martin Marshall, Chair of the RCGP, was included in this Pulse article. Dr Bhatti is a fellow of the RCGP and also vice-chair of Tower Hamlets LMC and Board Member of Londonwide LMCs, although the open letter was not written in either capacity.

NHS anniversary

Sunday 5 July saw the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the NHS, which was more of a reflection than a celebration this year, as London general practice continues to work at full-stretch amid the coronavirus pandemic. We spoke to three London GPs about their experiences and shared parts of these conversations as video clips on social media.

Pride month

June was Pride month, which would have culminated with the annual march through central London on 27 June. With the march cancelled because of the pandemic, we joined other organisations in celebrating NHS Virtual Pride on 26 June.

Last updated : 22 Jul 2020

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