Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare
Training focused on diversity and inclusion is playing a crucial role in improving the quality of healthcare services delivered to patients, according to Dr Suzanne Crowe, president of the Medical Council. With her background in paediatric intensive care, she emphasizes that an inclusive medical workforce fosters a deeper understanding of patient needs, leading to culturally competent care and better health outcomes.
Dr Crowe shared her insights during Cork Pride 2025, an event that runs from July 26 to August 3. She expressed her support for such events, which provide an opportunity to reflect on the importance of accepting people for who they are.
In a recent Q&A, Dr Crowe highlighted areas where Irish health service providers have made positive strides in ensuring diversity and inclusion in patient care. However, she also pointed out areas needing improvement, particularly in providing additional support for doctors with disabilities.
The Current State of Diversity in the Medical Profession
When asked if the Irish medical profession sees itself as diverse and inclusive, Dr Crowe noted that the profession does view itself as increasingly inclusive. Medicine welcomes individuals from all walks of life, with growing diversity in terms of gender and sexuality. Over the past few decades, there has been significant progress in ethnic diversity and gender balance.
According to the most recent (2024) Medical Workforce Intelligence data, the gender split among GPs in Ireland shows a slight majority of females (52.4%) over males (47.6%). Most female GPs are between the ages of 30 and 59, while older age groups are predominantly male. This suggests that as older male GPs retire, the proportion of females in general practice will likely continue to grow.
Additionally, in 2024, 13.8% of clinically active doctors in Ireland qualified in the EU/UK, and 27.8% came from outside Ireland, the EU, and the UK. This means that 41.6% of the medical workforce was trained abroad. Without these professionals, the health system would struggle significantly.
Areas for Improvement
While the profession is making progress, there is still room for improvement, especially regarding support for doctors with disabilities. More resources should be available to help these professionals carry out their work effectively. Overall, the profession considers itself diverse and inclusive.
Attracting and Retaining Talent
The healthcare sector actively attracts talent both within Ireland and internationally. Doctors are united by a common goal: protecting the health of individuals and communities. Ireland is viewed as an open, democratic, and progressive society, making it an appealing place to live and work. This openness can be particularly rewarding for those who have experienced trauma or marginalization due to their beliefs.
However, challenges remain. Long working hours, the working environment, and conditions need attention. While the sector may attract talent, retaining it requires creating a sustainable work environment.
Link Between Diversity and Patient Safety
Dr Crowe believes there is a strong link between a diverse workforce and safer patient outcomes. As healthcare professionals, advocating for trust, partnership, and informed consent is essential. Research conducted by the Medical Council in 2023 showed that 80% of people feel it is important to be treated as a partner in their healthcare by their doctor. Patients want their doctors to be approachable and willing to listen to personal concerns.
The same survey revealed that certain minority groups, including the elderly, members of the Travelling community, refugees, and immigrants, are perceived as being at higher risk of receiving substandard care. These groups often have unique healthcare needs, and patients may feel more comfortable discussing their concerns with a doctor who shares a similar background. This connection can lead to a more personalized treatment plan and better patient outcomes.
Training for a Diverse Workforce
Training future healthcare professionals to adopt an open and empathetic approach to diverse backgrounds helps ensure that Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) awareness becomes part of their professional identity early on. Addressing potential biases through education can improve compassionate healthcare.
By equipping doctors with the right tools, language, and training, they are more likely to recruit diverse teams. This not only enhances the workplace environment but also improves patient care when treating individuals from different backgrounds.
Celebrating Diversity and Learning
Pride events offer valuable opportunities for education, awareness, and understanding of the issues faced by the LGBTQI+ community. Recent participation in the Dublin Pride Parade by doctors and healthcare workers from the HSE and LGBT Ireland highlights the growing support for inclusivity in the medical field.
LGBT Ireland offers programs like the LGBT+ Champions initiative, designed to help doctors and healthcare professionals understand various identities and advocate for their LGBTQI+ patients. These programs are supported by organizations such as the HSE, postgraduate training bodies, universities, advocacy groups, and charities.
Dr Suzanne Crowe, president of the Medical Council and a consultant in paediatric intensive care at Crumlin Hospital, also serves as a board trustee for LGBT Ireland and Cheshire Ireland. Her work continues to promote inclusivity and better healthcare for all.