🚨 | Health leaders, employers and politicians have allowed racism to flourish in the NHS, with more than 21,000 racist incidents reported in the last four years, an increase of 78%. Additionally, calls to our advice line about racist abuse also rose by 70% between 2022 and 2025. These figures are shocking, and they are only the tip of the iceberg. Dozens of trusts do not have reportable data on racist incidents and others shared implausibly low figures. Furthermore, we believe many nursing staff will not report an incident due to a lack of faith in their employer to act against it. This cannot continue to go on unchallenged. Government must bring an end to anti-migrant rhetoric from politicians, which emboldens racist behaviour. NHS employers must streamline and standardise their incident reporting systems and empower nursing staff to report ALL racial abuse. Read more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4um2yKS
Since the beginning of the NHS racism has existed, despite the Equality Act , this is the only characteristic of the Act that continues to exist without consequences. You Called and We Came, every time there is a deficit in the NHS workforce. Reported incidents and referrals to governing professional bodies, data exists, but no real tangible results. NHS England , NMC, GMC , HCPC it’s time to act. It is a major concern, what assurance do we have for our patients when staff are facing racism in the workplace.
Sadly, this is unsurprising. Racism has existed within parts of the NHS for many years. The challenge now is moving beyond statements towards genuine accountability, safer reporting systems, equitable career progression, and cultures where staff truly feel protected and heard.
Your organisation not only killed your own profession but also destroyed my profession. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/medifix_why-and-how-an-empire-built-on-a-foundation-activity-7462489912324395008-otpl?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAD4W4oBmjDz_ufbYQ9iwohfQjYCFOyCqaY
For a long time I believed silence was the only way. If I didn’t talk about it or think about it then it doesn’t exist. I now know better and this is what I share with other internationally educated nurses in my network.
Unfortunately this is the reality of working in the NHS. How racism manifests is a myriad of different things some are small daily micro aggressions you just dismiss as it takes to much energy. The macro aggressions however those are harder. So surprised 😦 definitely not.
Absolutely, racism is extremely prevalent in most NHS hospitals and some of the leaders try to deny the existence of it but it’s really eating deep and it affects many aspects of the person lives. A good system should be put in place to ensure fairness.
This is shocking and unacceptable ; every nurse deserves to be treated with dignity and respect Royal College of Nursing - Company Noah Kabaira
That’s really sad thanks for sharing your story
Racism and discrimination should not be allowed in your workplace. If you’ve experienced racism at work, make sure you know your rights and reach out for support. Explore our resources https://bit.ly/4ePm916