A crisis-stricken Scottish health board, NHS Lothian's Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE), has unveiled a reparations scheme to acknowledge its historical connections to the slave trade.
RIE had indirectly benefited from slavery, equivalent to nearly £40 million in today's terms, through ownership of a Caribbean plantation during the 18th century.
The measures outlined in the scheme include a public apology, commissioning of artwork dedicated to slavery victims, and educational programs for staff regarding the historical ties. The initiative is led and funded by the NHS Lothian Charity and does not involve direct financial donations as part of the reparations.
Despite these efforts, concerns have arisen about the scheme's budgetary implications, as the NHS is already grappling with capacity issues, especially during the challenging winter months.
This development comes following a recent inspection that raised "serious concerns" about patient safety at RIE. The hospital was found to be operating overcapacity, with the accident and emergency unit occasionally handling three times the intended number of patients.
Research supported by the health board revealed that the RIE had inherited the Red Hill Penn estate in Jamaica in 1750 through the will of a surgeon, Archibald Kerr. The bequest included 39 enslaved individuals who, over 143 years, contributed "a considerable amount of wealth" to the infirmary through rental income.
Additionally, historical records identified donations from individuals who had profited from slavery, with the funds being used to purchase medicines, construct facilities, hire staff, and provide healthcare to Edinburgh's impoverished citizens.
The reparations scheme entails offering a formal apology to people of African descent, supporting artistic projects commemorating slavery victims, and signing an agreement aimed at enhancing health initiatives in contemporary Jamaica.
An advisory group established by NHS Lothian believes that these measures will contribute to the elimination of systemic discrimination and racism in Scotland and make amends for past injustices. Initial funding for the project will come from existing departmental budgets and staffing, with long-term costs yet to be determined.
Amid these reparations efforts, Scotland faces record waiting times, particularly for cancer patients, with over a quarter of them waiting beyond the two-month target for treatment to commence.
Calum Campbell, CEO of NHS Lothian, stated, "Tackling racism helps us reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes for our diverse population and ensures a better experience for everyone who works with and for us. This work is vital to delivering this ambition."
The issue of reparations for historical ties to the slave trade has also garnered attention on the international stage. A Jamaican judge recently claimed that Britain owed nearly £19 trillion in reparations for its role in the international slave trade. However, many have criticized these claims as unrealistic and impractical. Photo by Scottish Government, Wikimedia commons.