A new survey of 381 radiographers indicates a rise in overt racist abuse from patients, including derogatory comments and refusals of care based on race.
Key facts
- •A survey of 381 Society of Radiographers members identified a rise in overt racism over the last 18 months.
- •Reported abuse includes racial slurs, questioning of professional qualifications, and refusals of care based on skin color.
- •Paul Awah, a radiographer in Bedfordshire, reported that patients frequently feign an inability to understand him despite his clear English.
- •NHS England officials stated that organizations may refuse care to patients who display racist conduct in non-emergency situations.
- •The Royal College of Nursing previously reported a 55% increase in racist incidents against its members over a three-year period.
A report from the Society of Radiographers reveals a rise in racist abuse directed at NHS staff by patients over the past 18 months. Surveying 381 members, the findings detail instances where staff were subjected to racial slurs, complaints about their skin color, and refusals of care from patients who cited prejudice against black and Asian healthcare workers.
By the numbers
Reported Incidents and Staff Experiences
Radiographers reported being called "monkeys" and "dirty foreigners," while others faced comments regarding immigration. In one instance, a patient refused treatment from a black radiographer, stating, "Black people frighten me." Another staff member, who speaks with a Yorkshire accent, faced mockery regarding her headscarf and claims that she could not be understood. Paul Awah, a 39-year-old radiographer in Bedfordshire, noted that patients frequently claim they cannot understand him despite English being his first language. He observed that patients often assume staff are unqualified and suggested that current political rhetoric regarding immigration has contributed to an environment where such behavior is increasingly expressed openly.
Institutional Response and Broader Context
Prof Habib Naqvi, chief executive of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, condemned the incidents, noting they cause fear, trauma, and anxiety among staff. He called for a consistent, zero-tolerance approach across the health service. Thomas Simons, chief human resources and organisational development officer at NHS England, stated that racist abuse is unacceptable and that organizations must take action, including the potential to refuse care in non-emergency situations. Data from the Royal College of Nursing in October showed a 55% rise in racist incidents against its members over a three-year period. Additionally, the latest NHS staff survey found that one in five black and minority-ethnic staff reported experiencing abuse, bullying, or harassment from patients or the public, compared to one in 20 white staff.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Guardian Health.
