RCSEd Statement on our position on the involvement of BAME doctors and surgeons practicing on the frontline in this COVID-19 outbreak
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The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh wish to clarify our position on the involvement of BAME doctors and surgeons practicing on the frontline in this COVID-19 outbreak:
“The majority of clinicians who have sadly died from developing Covid-19 do appear to be from ethnic minorities with some emerging evidence that Covid-19 may have a higher impact on certain ethnic groups than others.
“This is a serious concern for all those involved in the healthcare sector, but the definitive evidence and any explanation is not clear. There are potentially many confounding factors that need to be considered, including the prevalence of co-morbidities such as diabetes and obesity, as well as the timing of the spread of the virus in certain geographical areas with a higher proportion of ethnic minorities in the population.
“We are aware that the CMO in England has established a group to explore and analyse these issues and we would strongly support the view that more work must be done urgently to establish if there is any scientific basis to whether the virus disproportionately affects ethnic minorities, so that steps can be taken to protect them if required.
“Ethnic minorities comprise around half of the NHS’s workforce, providing an irreplaceable depth of care. We must recognise and value their work and be mindful of any impact that Covid 19 has on them. However instead of removing colleagues from front line services, it is imperative they have the PPE, testing, monitoring and other support they urgently need.
“We must ensure not a single death occurs as a result of a lack appropriate PPE provision and testing, both of which need constant and urgent attention.”
Professor S Michael Griffin OBE, President of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
