Commenting on NHS data published today (Thursday) that shows patients in the poorest communities and those from an Asian or Asian British background are waiting longer for health treatment, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“All patients should have equal access to NHS care, regardless of who they are or where they live.
“It’s deplorable that those in deprived areas or from ethnic minorities face greater delays. Sick people who wait longer are likely to end up in a worse condition when they finally access treatment. And this piles even more pressure on the NHS.
“The data demonstrates the urgent need to address these unacceptable health inequalities.
“Trusts are already facing service cuts and job losses. By making staff unemployed and failing to pay those who remain decent wages, the NHS is creating more health problems – nowhere more so than in deprived areas. Ministers must stop asking trusts to make cutbacks and address staff pay as a priority.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Sophie Goodchild M: 07767 325595 E: s.goodchild@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
The article All patients must have equal access to NHS care and treatment, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.
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