We hosted our very first health and social care event to discuss ways we can help bridge the gap in access to healthcare for BAME communities.
Over 370 people registered for the event. Around 150 joined us to watch the panel session live and the recording has been sent to those who couldn’t attend on the day. Now we have the recording available for you to watch below. 
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, it became clear those from BAME communities were being disproportionately affected by the virus and are one of the groups least likely to have a lasting power of attorney (LPA).
Nick Goodwin, Public Guardian introduced the event discussing why having an (LPA) in place is important in the current health climate. Referencing stats on those with long term illnesses such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s, the impact on the NHS, and how those in the health care sector can benefit if an LPA is in place, especially when it comes to treatment for illnesses such as Covid-19.
Nick, in his opening presentation, said “Over one million days worth of hospital beds are taken up by people who lack mental capacity who could be discharged from hospital. Our role in providing people lasting powers of attorney often facilitates people going home early when their attorneys can speak for them.”
Nick continued to explain the ways in which having an LPA in place can benefit not just the patient but also the NHS in regards to making decisions on treatment. He explained how the Office of the Public Guardian has been working to adapt during these unusual times.
He said “With Covid, when wards were full, we responded to a call from the NHS and local authorities to have quicker information on whether a lasting power of attorney was in existence. We now have a rapid register search with a 24-hour turnaround, allowing beds to be freed up.”
This was followed by a panel discussion with Dr Edwina Akerele a London based GP, Geraldine McMurdie a member of the BAME communities advisory group, Nick Goodwin Public Guardian and chaired by Richard Vize.
Baljit Dhillon-Sidhu, Senior Lawyer at OPG was behind the scenes answering questions during the event.
You can watch the session on our You Tube channel, video linked below.