Equalities evidence

NHS Oxfordshire has a duty under the Equality Act (2010) to publish sufficient evidence to demonstrate that we have complied with the general equality duty to have due regard to the need to

  • Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation,
  • Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a characteristic and those who do not
  • Foster good relations between people who share a characteristic and those who do not

NHS Oxfordshire is a commissioner of services and not a provider of services which means that we plan, pay for and monitor health improvement and health care services locally but we do not provide these services ourselves. Most of the evidence we are publishing therefore shows how we commission those services on behalf of the population of Oxfordshire.

The NHS has developed a system called the Equality Delivery System (EDS) to help us work with our partners and communities to analyse how we meet our duties under the Act and so we have organised our evidence using this system.

We will continue to add to this evidence as and when more information becomes available; for example we have not yet received the results of our staff survey but will publish these as soon as they become available.

1.1 Services are commissioned, designed and procured to meet the health needs of local communities, promote well-being, and reduce health inequalities

 

1.2 Patients’ health needs are assessed, and resulting services provided, in appropriate and effective ways

Note: NHS Oxfordshire is not a provider of services and so most of this evidence comes from those whom we commission to provide services.Additional support is provided by the PCT to promote equality of access and outcomes for people with protected characteristics (e.g. health advocacy service, interpreting services (including Deaf interpreting)

 

1.3 Changes across services are discussed with patients, and transitions are made smoothly

 

1.4 The safety of patients is prioritised and assured

 

1.5 Public health, vaccination and screening programmes reach and benefit all local communities and groups

 

2.1 Patients, carers and communities can readily access services, and should not be denied access on unreasonable grounds

 

2.2 Patients are informed and supported so that they can understand their diagnoses, consent to their treatments, and choose their places of treatment

 

2.3 Patients and carers report positive experiences of the NHS, where they are listened to and respected and their privacy and dignity is prioritised

 

2.4 Patients’ and carers’ complaints about services, and subsequent claims for redress, should be handled respectfully and efficiently

 

3.1 Recruitment and selection processes are fair, inclusive and transparent so that the workforce becomes as diverse as it can be within all occupations and grades

Note: Staff survey results will be included when available

 

3.2 Levels of pay and related terms and conditions are fairly determined for all posts, with staff doing equal work and work rated as of equal value being entitled to equal pay

 

3.3 Through support, training, personal development and performance appraisal, staff are confident and competent to do their work, so that services are commissioned or provided appropriately

 

3.4 Staff are free from abuse, harassment, bullying, violence from both patients and their relatives and colleagues, with redress being open and fair to all

 

3.5 Flexible working options are made available to all staff, consistent with the needs of patients, and the way that people lead their lives

 

3.6 The workforce is supported to remain healthy, with a focus on addressing major health and lifestyle issues that affect individual staff and the wider population

 

4.1 Boards and senior leaders conduct and plan their business so that equality is advanced, and good relations fostered, within their organisations and beyond

 

4.2 Middle managers and other line managers support and motivate their staff to work in culturally competent ways within a work environment free from discrimination

 

4.3 The organisation uses the NHS Equality & Diversity Competency Framework to recruit, develop and support strategic leaders to advance equality outcomes