Providing Health Care To a Culturally Diverse Country

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Britain is regarded as one of the most ethically and culturally diverse countries in Europe. According to the 1999 census around 3 million people in the United Kingdom, which equates to 6% of the population, belong to minority ethnic groups (Le Var 1998). The 2001 census suggests that this figure is now around 7.9%, which equates to 4.6 million (Office for National Statistics 2003). The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~asuomca/diversityinit/definition.html The Department of Health (2004) states valuing diversity within the NHS and determines the importance that health professionals recognize, respect and value difference for the benefit of the organization and its patients. As we are living in this culturally diverse society it is of extreme importance that healthcare providers deliver appropriate services that are fair, culturally sensitive and are respective of the individual’s culture. This can only truly occur when health care providers understand individual cultures and the needs, values and beliefs of the individuals within them. This essay will explain the concepts of culture and ethnicity, and it will focus these concepts in ... ... middle of paper ... ...y Press . Morris,R & Clements,L (2001) disability. Social Care, Health and Travelling People. By the Traveller Law Research Unit, Cardiff Law School. Narayanasamy, A. (2002) The ACCESS model: a transcultural nursing practice framework. British Journal of Nursing, 11, (9), 643-650. Nursing and Midwifery Council. (2004). Code of Professional Conduct. London: Nursing and Midwifery Council Office for National Statistics. (2003) Census London ONS. Parry, G., Van Cleemput, P., Peters, J., Walters, S., Thomas, K. and Cooper, C. (2004) The Health Status of Gypsies and Travellers in England, Sheffield, University of Sheffield Primary Care Services Framework NHS 2009 Gypsy & Traveller communities. Treise, C. and Shepherd, G. (2006) ‘Developing mental health services for Gypsy Travellers: an exploratory study’, Clinical Psychology Forum, 163, pp. 16–19

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