ABSTRACT
There is a growing recognition that culture is an important component and determinant of health (Department of Health 1999a). The National Service Framework for Mental Health (Department of Health 1999b) states that mental health services need to develop and demonstrate cultural competence, with staff having the knowledge and skills to work effectively with diverse communities. The provision of culturally competent approach in working with Black and ethnic minority substance misusers has also been advocated by Black and ethnic minority drug treatment professionals (Sangster et al. 2002). For nurses, the provision of culturally competent care is both a legal and a moral requirement for nurses in the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s Code of conduct (NMC 2004).
