Research park hosts conference on health inequalities

A research park is holding its first Black Health and Research Conference focusing on inequalities experienced by people from ethnic minorities in accessing healthcare.

The event at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital's Benjamin Gooch lecture theatre features speakers sharing their work and considering inequalities in the areas of maternity, parenthood and mental health.

The event is being led by the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic campus representatives group, established by the Anglia Innovation Partnership (AIP).

Roz Bird, chief executive of the AIP, said: "We have worked closely with the LGBTQ+ and the black, Asian and minority ethnic groups to support new events that will significantly raise the profile and voice of these minority groups across the campus."

The event is part of Black History Month.

Ms Bird said it was important to ensure everyone had an equal chance to "contribute to the fabulous research" undertaken at the Norwich Research Park, where the hospital is.

"People and community are the 'silver bullet' that makes our research and innovation campus successful... harnessing that sense of community is at the heart of what we offer and will be the key to our future collective success," she said.

"I believe this event will be a keystone in our efforts to address, head-on, some of the issues faced by the black community so that we can continue our progress towards greater inclusivity."

The conference will look at three main topics:

• maternity, birthing and early parenthood
• mental health challenges and outcomes
• diversity in research, science and health

Roberta Hook, deputy chief operating officer at the hospital, said she was "thrilled" to be hosting the conference.

"Evidence shows that black people are less likely to seek mental health treatment, but more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act," she said.

"When it comes to maternity care, black women are five times more likely to die in childbirth and have adverse maternal outcomes.

"And, in research and science, a very small percentage of the population are black academic researchers or professors."

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