NHS StaffS Reveal How Some Patients Called Them Horrible Names and Complained About Their Skin Colour, as the NHS Sends a Warning Everyone Must Be Aware Of

NHS radiographers say they are facing more racist abuse from patients. Some workers have been called “monkeys” and “dirty foreigners”, while others said patients refused to be treated by Black or Asian staff.

A survey of 381 members of the Society of Radiographers found a clear rise in racist incidents across the NHS during the past 18 months. Staff said some patients complained about the colour of their skin or accused people from other countries of coming to Britain and taking jobs.

In one case, a patient made jokes about a radiographer’s headscarf and claimed they could not understand her, even though she spoke with a mild Yorkshire accent. Another patient refused to be X-rayed by a Black radiographer, saying that Black people frightened them.

Professor Habib Naqvi, the chief executive of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, said the incidents showed that racism and prejudice still exist in society. He explained that such abuse can leave healthcare workers feeling afraid, anxious and deeply hurt.

He added that NHS staff from different countries continue to care for patients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. He said the NHS could not operate without their skills, hard work and kindness. He also called for a strict zero-tolerance approach whenever patients behave in a racist or unacceptable way.

Paul Awah, a 39-year-old radiographer working in Bedfordshire, moved to the UK from Nigeria five years ago. He said patients often pretend they cannot understand him, even though English is his first language and he speaks clearly.

According to Awah, some patients can understand people with Irish or Scottish accents but claim they cannot understand him. He also said some patients wrongly assume that Black or foreign healthcare workers are not properly qualified.

Awah believes the political debate about immigration may be encouraging some people to speak more openly in a racist way. He said immigrants are often blamed for problems such as the cost-of-living crisis, rising energy bills and the difficult situation facing the country.

Other reports have also shown an increase in racist abuse against NHS workers. The Royal College of Nursing previously found that racist incidents against its members had risen by 55% over three years. A separate NHS survey found that one in five Black and minority ethnic workers had experienced abuse, bullying or harassment from patients or members of the public. This compared with one in 20 white workers.

NHS England said racist abuse against healthcare staff was completely unacceptable. It said NHS organisations must take proper action to prevent racism, support workers who experience abuse and ensure there are consequences for patients who behave in a racist way. In non-emergency situations, this could include refusing to provide care to an abusive patient.