Department of Health reaffirm commitment to publication of data on black and minority ethnic patient experience

Posted on Fri 13 May 2011

The Department of Health have responded to a recent consultation on the future of the ‘Report on the experience of black and minority ethnic patients’, which is produced annually using data from the National Patient Survey Programme (NPSP).  The DH had proposed the continuation of data collection on black and minority ethnic patients, but suggested that production of the report in its current format be stopped.  In particular, the proposal emphasised the limited variation in data on a year to year basis, and suggested that data need only be formally reported if major changes occurred.

Whilst the DH have confirmed that the present report will still be stopped, they emphasised that the feedback obtained through the consultation would be helpful in shaping future publications.  In particular, the DH consultation response highlights:

• the need to continue specific work on black and minority ethnic communities, with reports on at least a five yearly basis
• the importance of National Statistics endorsement, both as a sign of quality and to remove the risk of duplication
• the importance of compliance with legislative obligations, including the Equality Act
• the need to publicise the availability of the data, possibly by publishing data relating to black and minority ethnic within the NPSP document.

The Race Equality Foundation provided feedback on methods of organising the consultation, helping to distribute information about the process and providing a forum for CNODAT to present to voluntary and community organisations at our recent 'informed conversations'.

To read the full report, see National Statistics published by the Department of Health about the experience of black and minority ethnic patients: Response to the consultation