NHS Lothian has committed to being an “anti-racist” organisation as part of a new plan.

It is part of the health board’s duty to widen access to healthcare and ensure everyone in the Lothian are can live longer, healthier lives, regardless of their background or identity.

Calum Campbell, Chief Executive of NHS Lothian explained: “We know that racism and discrimination create inequalities and lead to poorer health and employment outcomes for black and minority ethnic people.

“Sometimes it can be blatant and deliberate, but more often it is much more subtle. Just as it exists in wider society, we need to challenge racism within NHS Lothian.

“This new plan underlines our commitment to being an anti-racist organisation. It explains how we will deliver action through education, training and importantly by supporting our staff.

“We recognise that change takes time, and there will always be more we can do, but these important steps will go a long way to ensuring NHS Lothian is a place where everyone feels welcome.

“NHS Lothian’s commitment to being an anti-racist organisation is a priority within its Equality and Human Rights Strategy and was officially launched at its annual equality and diversity conference.”

Significant work has already been carried out to listen to staff and patient experiences of racism so the organisation can use evidence to design services and plan more effectively.

Part of this included research funded by NHS Lothian Charity which revealed the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh has historical links to slavery. In October last year, the NHS Lothian board agreed to implement the independent advisory groups recommendations and to formally acknowledge the impact of this history on racism today and make a public apology.

Speaking at the NHS Lothian equality and diversity conference, NHS Lothian chairman, Professor John Connaghan CBE, said: “Since the founding of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in 1729 and as Scotland’s oldest voluntary hospital the Royal has a long and distinguished history due in the main to the dedicated staff who have built its reputation over the years.

“However, as an institution dedicated to the care of individuals and with core values of compassion, honesty and integrity NHS Lothian needs to face up to and apologise for the fact that in the early days of this great hospital, wealth to support its activities was drawn from the practice of slavery that we now know was a crime against humanity.

“As we near our third century we recognise and apologise for these historical acts and the impact on all the people who have suffered because of them.

“The knowledge and understanding we have gained from examining the history of the Royal in more depth has reinforced our determination to ensure NHS Lothian is an organisation where all people feel welcome, as staff, patients and visitors and where we strive to achieve equal access to healthcare for all.”

Renowned human rights and equalities activist, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, joined NHS Lothian at the conference. He added: “This excellent equality work of NHS Lothian shows that a diverse society needs diverse attention to provide fair and efficient patient care”.

As part of its work, NHS Lothian is establishing an implementation group including representatives from the board and black and minority ethnic staff network to advise on the implementation of the recommendations.