Health trust 'not institutionally racist'

The review looked into claims by two consultants

A report into allegations of racism at a Lancashire health trust has concluded there should be better training for staff.

The allegations were made by two members of staff at the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Health Care Trust.

The review by the Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority concluded the Trust was not institutionally racist and that it had good equal opportunities practices.

But it recommended diversity training for staff and said that senior managers might not have been aware how their actions were perceived.

The approach taken by some concerned was not always as helpful as it could be

Cumbria and Lancashire Health Authority statement

The review was set up in 2001 after complaints by two consultants at the health trust.

The review looked into events over more than five years.

A statement by the health authority said: "While the report does not conclude that the trust was an institutionally racist organisation, it does point out that the approach taken by some concerned was not always as helpful as it could be.

"They appeared unaware of how ingrained racist attitudes in the community can be, and the unwitting offence and pain that can be caused."

A diversity training programme to "encourage greater understanding and confidence" among staff has been recommended.

Pearse Butler, chief executive of the health authority, said: "This report is invaluable tool in helping us understand how many of us, however unintentionally, may contribute to what could be interpreted as a racist approach."