Gender inequalities within the NHS - Essay Example

Since its inception in 1948, it has improvised its policies and has incorporated better and newer policies for effective functioning. It is a humongous effort to run the NHS smoothly and efficiently as it has innumerable people involved in its administration and operation. It has gone a step ahead and has integrated computers for better functioning and also has its helpline on the internet. Amidst all these progressive steps, the main factor that remains important for it being effectual is its colossal staff.

The UK government has ensured that almost all doctors and nurses in the UK are employed by the NHS and work in their hospitals. The government has also ensured that all the new student doctors train at the NHS after completing medical school and they have provision to accommodate almost 8000 doctors and nurses every year. These new doctors must undergo a two year foundation programme with the NHS to become registered doctors. NHS plays a very critical role in shaping the careers for new doctors and nurses.

NHS has employment policies that promote equality and diversity within the organization and are non-discriminatory about race, caste and gender and disability (Department of Health, 2006). The Gender Equality Act of 2006 has made provisions for the following: equal opportunities for men and women in terms of employment, no sexual discrimination towards the transsexuals, no pay gap between male and female employees, part time work options and to provide training and up gradation of knowledge and skills.

It has been acknowledged by most that there is predominance of women in the nursing field especially those working part-time. There is however, a deliberation that the women nurses are at the lower stratum of the profession, which questions the Equality policy. Studies are showing that female nurses are receiving disproportionate employment opportunities with most of