The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has written to recognise the impact of our Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF) in improving experiences for patients, service users and carers.

In his letter, the Mayor highlighted how this work is helping to tackle health inequalities by building trust and improving access to care for communities who have historically felt unheard or excluded from services.

He particularly recognised our partnerships with grassroots organisations, faith groups, barbershops, colleges and youth clubs, enabling support to be delivered in trusted, familiar community spaces.

This approach is helping people to:

• Engage with services earlier

• Feel listened to and respected

• Access care that is responsive to their needs

The Mayor also congratulated the team at North East London NHS Foundation Trust on being Highly Commended in the NHS Race Equality Award at the HSJ Awards 2025, recognising the impact this work is having across our communities.

This recognition reflects the commitment of colleagues and community partners working together to improve experiences, reduce inequalities and ensure services are shaped by the people who use them.

Erica said, 

“I am truly honoured to receive this recognition from the Mayor of London. His acknowledgement reinforces the importance of listening to and working alongside the communities we serve to address health inequalities. The Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework is built on partnership, trust and lived experience, and this message affirms the value of that work. I am incredibly proud of our team and our community partners, whose commitment continues to drive meaningful change for our patients, carers and loved ones. I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to my colleagues Wellington Makala (Chief Nursing Officer) and Debbie Smith (Director of Nursing and Patient Experience) for their support throughout this journey.”