Conference pledges action to close the Black Health Gap

Leading figures from healthcare, research, academia and science joined forces to tackle health inequalities at the second Black Health and Research Conference.

The event, organised by the NNUH Together Network in partnership with Norwich Research Park and the University of East Anglia (UEA), took place on 8 October as part of Black History Month.

The conference brought together experts and leaders from across the region to explore ways of improving health outcomes and experiences for Black communities. Through a series of keynote talks, presentations and panel discussions, delegates committed to taking specific actions over the next 12 months to help close the Black Health Gap and address health inequalities.

Organiser Hawa Ocheni, Chair of the NNUH Together Network, also highlighted the importance of turning discussion into meaningful change, with a focus on improving the experiences of staff, students and patients across the research and healthcare community.

This year’s Black History Month theme – Honouring Our Communities – celebrates the individuals whose everyday contributions shape, support and sustain Black life across the UK.

The morning programme focused on the Black Health Gap, with sessions covering uterine fibroids, sickle cell disorder, maternity services and mental health. Afternoon discussions explored how organisations across the campus can work together to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes for patients and communities.

Roberta Hook, NNUH Deputy Chief Operating Officer, who chaired the panel discussions, said: “We are delighted by the response to our second Black Health and Research Conference, which brought together influential leaders from across healthcare, academia and research. The conversations throughout the day were insightful, inspiring and action-focused. We now look forward to building on the connections made and delivering meaningful change over the coming months to help improve the Black experience across our organisations and communities.”

Roz Bird, CEO of Anglia Innovation Partnership, said: “Conferences like these, where we tackle important topics, such as black health inequality in the UK, are a catalyst for change. As one of the largest research clusters in Europe with a teaching hospital, collaborating with a university and four research institutes, we have a responsibility to champion important issues, bringing a wide range of stakeholders together to discuss topics and agree meaningful action that will move the dial on this topic for our campus and for health care and equality in the UK.”

Dr Nick Goodwin, Chief Operating Officer of Anglia Innovation Partnership, added: “This was an uplifting and thought-provoking event that amplified important voices and highlighted the collective responsibility we all share in tackling inequalities. Everyone left with actions to take forward, and it is vital that we continue to hold ourselves accountable and demonstrate the progress we make.”