Digital Health Unplugged: Taking a stand against racism in digital health

Tammy Lovell is joined by Victoria Betton, director at Peopledotcom and Hassan Chaudhury, commercial director at DATA-CAN, to talk about how to overcome racism and discrimination in the digital health sector. Along with NHS doctor Ayesha Rahim, Betton and Chaudhury are founders behind the creation of an Equity Charter, which aims to put anti-racism guiding principles for the sector in place. In the podcast, they discuss how the idea for the charter was formed at Digital Health Rewired in March 2024, following racist remarks made by TPP founder Frank Hestor, reported in The Guardian. This led Rahim, Betton and Chaudhury to publish an open letter online condemning racism and discrimination in digital health, which has had more than 1,000 signatories. In July 2024, the three founders held a summit at The King’s Fund in London, attended by around 30 stakeholders, to discuss what should be included in an Equity Charter. In the podcast, the pair discuss how the views expressed by NHS suppliers can affect patient care and what needs to happen to make sure that everyone in the supply chain adheres to equality, diversity and inclusion policies. Chaudhury also highlights how anti-racism in digital health goes further than procurement, and why some NHS organisations and employees are choosing to leave X because it no longer aligns with their values. You can find out more about the Equity Charter and sign here. Guests: Victoria Betton, director at Peopledotcom Hassan Chaudhury, commercial director at DATA-CAN and head of commercial at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust