How are we doing?
How are we doing?
Equality and Diversity
Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust are keen to ensure Equality and Diversity are embedded in the culture of the organisation, while striving to achieve universal health for all and improving the social and economic well being of the Communities the Trust serves.
The Primary Care Trust is legally required to produce an Equality Scheme to comply with the ‘New Equality Bill 2011’. The Trust is currently reviewing the Single Equality Scheme produced in 2008 Single Equality Scheme.To meet the requirements of the legislation the PCT as part of the Cheshire, Warrington and Wirral PCT Cluster will produce a joint document containing equality objectives and a new equality analysis document. This will be completed by December 2011.
Race Equality Scheme and Action Plan
Equality objectives
To meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT have produced Equality objectives. These will be implemented and monitored over the next 12 months and reviewed in line with changes to the NHS in March 2013. Equality Objectives 2012/13
Workforce Information Monitoring
Workforce monitoring is completed on a quarterly basis. Currently we monitor against 7 out of the 9 protected characteristics, as well as monitoring leavers and pay bands by the protected characteristics. One of actions for the next financial year will be to examine if we are able to monitor against the full 9 protected characteristics.
We also monitor recruitment data by 7 of the protected characteristics but we have no data to publish for the last 12 months as there has been no activity due to a vacancy freeze.
Wherever possible we monitor our workforce information compared to local population figures. As a result of this we are aware that some of the figures of protected characteristics in the local population are not reflected in our workforce numbers, such as disability. With a recruitment freeze in place at the moment it is difficult to plan how to increase representation in the workforce but we will continue to monitor our workforce figures and take action where anomalies and issues arise.
Please find below workforce information for the website for the following quarters
Quarter 3 – Oct to Dec 2010
Quarter 4 – Jan to Mar 2011
Quarter 1 – Apr to Jun 2011
Quarter 2 – Jul to Sep 2011
Complaints
A formal complaints system is in place and follows NHS procedures and good practice by adopting the Health Service Ombudsman’s principles for Remedy. A yearly report is presented to the Board detailing the number of complaints and the action the PCT took.
In 2010-2011 the PCT received 105 formal complaints. The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is an informal way for patients to raise any concerns within their healthcare. The PALS team work on the patients behalf by liaising with healthcare staff, listening to concerns and providing information and advice. In 2010-2011 there were 522contacts made with the PALS team. Knowing when patients have had a good experience is as good as knowing when things have not gone well. A record of compliments is kept and feedback is given to the service in questions and also presented to the Board.
Complaints and Patient Advice Liaison Service Annual Report
Consultation and Engagement
Consultation and engagement events have given local people a voice, ensuring that the Primary Care Trust is locally accountable to minority groups. A number of events took place during 2010 – 2011. Comments from these events have been fed back to service providers and clinical leads which have led to guidelines being produced relating to deaf awareness, accessibility, interpretation and translation. A number of events are planned for 2011 – 2012. If you are part of an equality group (age, disability, sex, transgender, sexual orientation, BME, religion and belief) contact Stephanie.Lawley@cecpct.nhs.uk t arrange a consultation and engagement event.
Losing Patients
The PCT values the views of all service users. In October 2010 it started a consultation service with blind and visually impaired people. (Loosing patients project). The project looked at the accessibility of services including GPs, Community Health Services and Acute Services. Patients were asked to share their experiences and the results were used to develop an action plan for local Health Service providers. The report highlights good practice and in service provision locally . A DVD of patient experience has also been produced (insert link to DVD). A number of actions have already been taken to improve Services including the protection of guidelines.
Deaf Awareness Mystery Shopper Project
In 2010 the PCT worked with people with hearing impairments on a mystery shopper exercise. The project highlighted good practice within GP practices locally and has helped the PCT to work with the practices to improve access for people with hearing impairments. Mystery Shopper Report.
GP Accreditation Scheme
In March 2011 the PCT launched a GP Equality and Diversity Accreditation Scheme for all practices. Bronze Level Status is now complete with over sixteen practices completing the questionnaire. This self assessment questionnaire focussed on accessibility, communication, engagement and involvement, complaints, meeting the needs of equality groups. Silver level of the award will be launched in September 2011.
Dental Audit
A detailed audit of all dental practices is currently taking place. The audit will examine accessibility of dentists including ramp, providing hearing loops, information etc. Report to be published December 2011.
Workforce Monitoring
The PCT monitors its workforce quarterly and provides an Annual Report for the Board.
Equality Analysis
The PCT currently completes Equality Impact Assessments (EQIA) on all policies, plans and documents. The template is designed to provide information to enable staff to complete EQIAs fully. In line with the New Equality Bills the currents EQIA template will be amended to form an ‘Equality analysis document’. (New form to be completed by November 2011). A full list of all compliant Equality Impact Assessments can be obtained from Tony.Wheeler@cecpct.nhs.uk
Community Development Workers
In developing Race Equality, the PCT funds Community Development Workers through Pathways CIC (Community Interest Company). The Community Development Workers (CDW) are a key link to local communities including BME groups, Gypsy and Travellers, Polish community and the Bangladeshi Community. The CDWS have developed a work programme for 2011 – 2012
Translation and Interpretation
The PCT has in place a Translation and Interpretation Policy which is applied by all staff through out the PCT.
Moving Forward
The PCT will continue to monitor compliance with the New Equality Bill, to develop internal mechanisms to monitor equality data, record achievements relating to quality strands, report achievements to the Strategic Health Authority, CQC and other relevant Committees and Organisations. To find out more information about Equality and Diversity contact Stephanie.Lawley@cecpct.nhs.uk
