Healthcare should be a space where dignity, safety, and respect are guaranteed for all patients. Yet, systemic racism and entrenched social biases continue to create unequal power dynamics that can compromise care. Hosted by the WHIS London Chapter as part of their “Health & Care Hangout” series, this WHISTalks session brings together healthcare advocates, patient representatives, and community voices to discuss systemic racism, power imbalances, and ways to support safer, more equitable healthcare.
Meet the Speakers
- Roxanne Lavie (Qassandra / WHIS London) – Co-host, healthcare advocate and facilitator
- Julie Jaye Charles CBE (WHIS London / Start Change) – Co-host, community leader and strategist
- Matthew Sisto (Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust) – Director of Patient Experience and Participation, expert in patient safety and systemic change
- Kaoutar Benmoumene (Psychologist, ASQF member) – Specialist in inclusive and feminist care approaches
- Kischa Green – Black maternal care patient representative, sharing lived experiences of healthcare inequities
- David Kerr (DJK Global - WHIS Ireland) – Advocate for patient-centred solutions and systemic health equity
Exploring Power Imbalances and Systemic Racism Our session will examine how power imbalances affect patient care, particularly when racism amplifies these dynamics. While individual acts of bias matter, it’s the systemic inequities embedded in healthcare that often have the most profound impact. This session will focus on the UK and Ireland context, highlighting both professional insights and lived experiences.
Uncovering Bias and Building Solutions Speakers will explore tools like the ASQF Barometer, which helps uncover baked-in biases within healthcare systems. Policy frameworks such as PCREF and co-production initiatives like Compass will be discussed as actionable strategies to create inclusive, equitable solutions. The session emphasizes that addressing systemic racism requires active learning, self-reflection, and the meaningful inclusion of affected communities.
Empowering Patients At the heart of this session is the patient experience. Kischa and Kaoutar will share how patients can navigate power imbalances, build narratives around their care, and use tools like the Barometer to advocate for safer, more respectful interactions. The discussion encourages all attendees to participate, ask questions, and contribute to meaningful change.
Join the Conversation - FREE to register today. This WHISTalks session is hosted by Roxanne Lavie (Qassandra / WHIS London) and Julie Jaye Charles CBE (WHIS London / Start Change), in partnership with the Global Social Prescribing Alliance, Qassandra, Start Change, Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, and WHIS Ireland. It promises to be an insightful discussion that goes beyond blame to focus on awareness, learning, and actionable change.
“WHIS is empowering communities to manage their own health and wellbeing.” – Gareth Presch, CEO, WHIS & GSPA