Racism Rising in UK’s NHS as Survey Reveals Abuse Against Non-White Medical Staff

Racism against non white healthcare workers in the UK's National Health Service (NHS) has increased over the past 18 months, with many staff facing racial abuse from patients, according to a new survey by the Society of Radiographers (SoR).

The survey found that healthcare workers were called offensive names such as "dirty foreigners" and "monkey". Some patients also refused treatment from non white doctors and radiographers. Staff who took part in the survey said anti immigrant language in public debate and politics has made people more comfortable expressing racist views.

One sonographer of Asian origin working in England's Midlands said patients had told her that Britain was "not the same" because of immigrants and claimed they were "taking our jobs". She said such comments have become more common in recent months.

The NHS employs more than 1.5 million people, with around 21 per cent of its workforce made up of non British nationals. Indians remain the largest group of internationally trained healthcare professionals in the NHS, with around 45,000 staff. Around one in four registered radiographers in the UK also received their training overseas.

Dean Rogers, Executive Director of Industrial Strategy and Member Relations at the SoR, called the rise in racism "unconscionable and unacceptable". He said discrimination, harassment, bullying and intimidation have no place in the NHS and urged employers to take stronger action.

Following the findings, the SoR said it will press NHS trusts to properly record racist incidents, monitor how complaints are handled and work closely with trade unions to protect staff.

The British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) also renewed its call for stronger action against racism, saying ethnic minority healthcare workers have played a vital role in building the NHS and deserve to work in a safe and respectful environment.