Key Highlights
- Racism towards nurses has reached a “crisis point” in the UK.
- A report from the Nurses’ Union shows incidents of racism have surged by 55% over the past three years.
- The Royal College of Nursing is recording an average of three calls per day regarding such incidents.
- Nurses and midwives are expressing fear and reluctance to speak up about their experiences due to potential backlash.
Racism in Healthcare: A Crisis for UK Nurses
The latest episode of Good Morning Britain, airing on October 27, 2025, shed light on a concerning issue plaguing the healthcare sector—racism towards nurses. The segment, hosted by Ed Balls and Charlotte Hawkins, highlighted alarming statistics and personal experiences that underscore the severity of this problem.
The report from the Nurses’ Union revealed a disturbing trend: incidents of racism among nursing staff have increased by 55% over the past three years. This stark rise has been attributed to a growing societal climate where racism is on the rise, according to Paul Rees, CEO of the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Real-Life Testimonies
Nurse Neomi Bennett’s experience during her shift highlighted the severity of the issue. “I was doing an ECG for a patient, and his family members specifically requested a white nurse,” she recounted. “They became aggressive when I refused to comply with their request.” This incident, though shocking, is not unique, as Polly Bartlett reported that such cases are on the rise.
According to Bartlett’s segment, an advice line run by the Royal College of Nursing has recorded three calls per day from nursing staff, indicating a significant number of incidents. The projected increase in reports suggests that the actual number could be even higher due to nurses’ reluctance to speak up about their experiences out of fear.
Official Response and Urgent Review
The Department of Health described the figures as “shocking,” and the Prime Minister has ordered an urgent review into racism within the NHS. The Nursing and Midwifery Council’s statement emphasized that this issue is reaching a “crisis point” and noted that some nurses perceive it to be worse than in any time over the last 30 years.
“For some people, they see it as being worse now than any time in the last 30 years,” Rees stated. This sentiment is echoed by many within the nursing community who are advocating for more robust measures to protect and support their colleagues.
Public Reaction and Implications
The news sparked a strong reaction from viewers of Good Morning Britain. Comments ranged from shock to calls for action, with one individual posting on X (formerly Twitter): “It’s scary.” Another added, “Wow this is unbelievable,” emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Healthcare professionals, who often work tirelessly under immense pressure, deserve a safe and respectful environment free from discrimination. The current climate poses significant challenges to maintaining patient care standards and the well-being of healthcare workers.
Conclusion
The increasing instances of racism among nurses highlight broader issues within the UK’s healthcare system. While steps are being taken to address this crisis, ongoing support and implementation of effective policies will be crucial in ensuring a safe working environment for all healthcare professionals.
