Socio-economic diversity and social mobility tops the agenda for Purpose Coalition visit to Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust
Socio-economic diversity was at the forefront of discussions when Purpose Coalition Engagement Director, Rt Hon Anne Milton, visited Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust to meet with its senior leadership team.
The Trust provides a wide range of community-based health services for adults and children in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and surrounding areas, from district nursing and health visiting to physiotherapy and specialist community clinics. It aims to be the best provider of high quality, innovative health services near people’s homes that provides them with well co-ordinated, effective care.
Former Public Health Minister Anne Milton visited the Trust to discuss the development of a report on socio-economic and saw first-hand some of its initiatives aimed at enhancing social mobility. In-depth discussions with the Trust’s leadership team explored the role that socio-economic diversity plays in improving healthcare outcomes and fostering an inclusive work environment.
Emphasising the need for comprehensive reporting to better understand and address socio-economic disparities within the NHS workforce and the broader community, Anne Milton said:
“I am so impressed by the commitment and innovative approaches that the Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust is taking towards promoting social mobility and ensuring diversity. Creating a socio-economic diversity report is a crucial and important first step in identifying gaps and implementing plans to make sure that there are equal opportunities for all. Everyone should have a chance to get a great job and progress in their career.”
Patricia Davies, CEO of Shropshire Community Health NHS trust said:
“We really value our membership with The Purpose Coalition in terms of connection not just with other parts of the public sector but wider industry and communities. We are delighted and privileged as a community Trust to have been asked to produce one of the first socioeconomic plans with the Coalition and we hope by doing so we not only have a greater insight into how we as an organisation can support socio economic diversity and mobility across the communities we serve, but also add to a greater national understanding of how this can be done in communities that span urban and particularly rural communities that are often on the periphery.’
The Purpose Coalition’s visit highlights the importance of continued efforts to promote socio-economic diversity within the NHS. By sharing best practices and learning from successful initiatives like those at Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, the NHS can take significant strides towards a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
