Why does my GP practice ask for my ethnicity?
We need to log your ethnicity as accurately as possible on your patient record. This enables the NHS to provide the correct services for our population. This can include everything from funding to specialist care to ensuring we have culturally sensitive resources available.
Including your ethnicity in your patient record is to support us in providing the best service to meet your needs.
What is an ethnicity and how does it relate to my health?
Ethnicity is often associated with race and relates to the population group a person belongs to, identifies with or is identified by, considering cultural factors including language, diet, religion, ancestry and physical features. Some of these factors, particularly diet, may impact your health directly. Other factors may impact your health indirectly, through the way illnesses are thought of culturally.
The Covid-19 pandemic shone a light on existing healthcare inequalities, especially around the disproportionate impact on people from black and minority ethnic groups.
You can read more about what the NHS is doing to address health inequalities experienced by black and minority ethnic communities here.
Is it safe for me to have my ethnicity recorded?
Your data will never be used to refuse you services that you are entitled to. We will never provide an inferior/ sub-standard service based on your ethnicity. The NHS values diversity and equity as its core mission and will continue to uphold this in the future.
No immigration checks will be carried out when you provide your ethnicity information. Your current immigration status will not affect what services you can access – however, some secondary care services may come at an additional cost.
How is my ethnicity recorded?
You can choose from a list of common ethnic categories. However, if your ethnicity is not represented on the list, you can choose ‘Other’ and provide more details.
You are usually asked for your ethnicity when you first register with your GP practice. You can check if and how your ethnicity has been recorded by asking your GP reception team to check, they can also make any changes necessary at your request. You can make this request via the NHS App, over the phone, or in person.
I’ve received a text message asking me to confirm my ethnicity – what should I do?
Our GP practices locally are working to improve ethnicity recording in the Rural Rother area. If your record currently shows no ethnicity recording, you may receive a text message from your practice asking you about your ethnicity. You can securely reply to this message to have your records updated.
Do I have to have my ethnicity recorded?
No, it is entirely your choice whether to have it recorded.
If you would prefer not to we can record as ‘Not Stated’ rather than ‘Not Recorded’ to show that you’ve made that decision and to ensure you aren’t asked again in future.
Please be aware that the NHS is required by law to ask about your ethnicity. We hope that you will choose to have your ethnicity recorded as it will help the NHS to provide the correct services for our population.
Can I change my mind about having my ethnicity recorded?
Yes. You can change your mind at any time, just let your GP practice know and they can update your record for you.
