A WIRRAL hospital is celebrating its “bronze status” in an anti-racist framework.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) has been awarded Bronze status in the North West Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Assembly's Anti-Racist Framework.

WUTH is one of four trusts across the region that have been awarded the status which recognises commitment to an inclusive and equitable environment for all staff, volunteers, and patients.

The North West BAME Assembly, a strategic advisory group established to tackle health inequalities and amplify the voices of ethnic minority communities, reviewed WUTH's submission.

Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive, said: "Achieving Bronze status is a significant achievement for our trust.

“It validates our commitment to equality and diversity, and we will continue to strive for excellence in these areas.

“Our journey does not stop here; we are determined to build on this foundation and achieve even greater heights in our anti-racism efforts."

One initiative recognised by the Assembly was the Trust’s "Showing Racism the Red Card" campaign.

This campaign raised awareness across the organisation and the wider community with the aim to actively combat racism through workshops, educational materials, and community engagement activities.

The assembly also commended the trust’s public declaration of commitment to anti-racism.

The trust’s staff bulletin was also highlighted for its role in keeping staff informed and engaged with ongoing anti-racism efforts, with a dedicated interactive newsletter shared as part of Race Equality Week

Mansour Sargazi, Multicultural Staff Network Member and Clinical Scientist said: “I joined the Trust 18 years ago and during my time here the trust has made positive steps to further ensure equality for all staff and patients regardless of their skin colour, race, ethnicity and age.

“As a member of a minority group, I’ve noticed the great work on inclusion for staff from all races and ethnicities.

“I’ve seen the trust evolve its approach to inclusivity, introducing new initiatives and celebrating different festivals and occasions.

“I really think it is doing great things. I love working here because all the staff recognise that everyone is basically the same, we just have different backgrounds.

“There’s a focus on the common ground we share and valuing the things that make us unique. That’s the true meaning of teamwork, which is fundamental to ensuring the best patient care. I think that’s what has made me want to stay here all this time.”