A major race relations initiative could make the county's health service more accessible to ethnic minorities.

The Race Equality Scheme will promote careers for minorities in the NHS as well as improving the information they receive about services.

Alec Kendall, public relations specialist at South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, said the initiative was aimed at making the trust's services more accessible and would also address the way ethnic minority groups thought about the health service.

"There are more than 20 languages spoken in Worcester alone, which shows the diversity we have," he said.

"We need to make sure everyone is getting the best from the services we give them."

He added the initiative also included a drive to recruit ethnic minorities.

"This is about showing that the NHS offers great opportunities for career paths," he said.

"We want to see all the best people having a shot at a career in the NHS in the years to come."

Mohammed Aslam, chief executive at Worcestershire's Racial Equality Council, welcomed the move, but warned it was still "embryonic".

"We're pleased with what's been done so far and I congratulate David Barlow, who is chairman of the board, and Mr Kendall, for all the work they have put into the project," he said.