The extent of racism in the National Health Service has been exposed by a new report.

An inquiry led by retired High Court judge Sir John Blofeld said a "greater effort" was needed to tackle institutional racism.

His report prompted health secretary John Reid to accept that "there is discrimination in the NHS, both direct and indirect".

Among the findings were that black people suffering from schizophrenia were likely to receive higher doses of anti-psychotic medication than their white counterparts, and were frequently regarded as more aggressive.

"The inquiry believes institutional racism is present throughout the NHS and that greater effort is needed to combat it," said the report.

"Until that problem is addressed, people from black and minority ethnic communities will not be treated fairly.

"The cultural, social and spiritual needs of patients must be taken into account."

Investigation

The investigation was promoted by the case of David "Rocky" Bennett, who died in October 1998 at a medium secure unit after being restrained by staff.

Lessons would be learned from the tragedy, the health secretary pledged.

"The report raises a number of very important issues. We have a duty to understand these and act upon their findings," Reid added.

"There is no place for racism or discrimination. It is unacceptable; it contradicts the basic value of equity that is the cornerstone of the health service.

"In mental health we have already made a start by publishing 'Delivering race equality', which outlines a national framework for local action."

Fund

Reid also said the government would fund 80 community engagement projects and appoint 500 community development workers "to make a direct connection between local people, staff and services".

Joanna Bennett, sister of David Bennett, welcomed the inquiry's recommendations and said that if acted upon they could produce "a real improvement in the quality of mental health services not only for people from minority ethnic groups but for all service users, their carers and families".

"My family has been totally vindicated by the inquiry's findings. We are not just another over-emotional family. We were right to be concerned," she added.

Action

Helen Shaw, co-director campaign group Inquest, also called on the government to act.

"Patients have continued to die in alarmingly similar circumstances since Rocky died in 1998 and this will not stop unless the recommendations in this report are implemented in full," she said.

"The time for talking, researching and debating is over.

"We call on the government not only to accept all its findings but also set out clearly how they will be implemented and when they will report back to us all on the progress that has been made."