A survey of 381 members of the Society of Radiographers has documented an increase in overt racist incidents experienced and witnessed by radiography staff across the National Health Service in recent months. The reported cases include patients using racial slurs, making derogatory comments about staff members’ origins and accents, refusing treatment from healthcare workers based on their race, and making assumptions about their professional qualifications.
One radiographer described instances where patients claimed not to understand his speech despite English being his first language, while appearing to comprehend colleagues with Irish or Scottish accents. Another incident involved a patient expressing fear based on a staff member’s race, while others made comments about immigration and job displacement. Staff have also reported negative remarks about religious attire and cultural dress worn by healthcare workers.
Professionals in the field attribute the rise partly to changes in political discourse surrounding immigration. Leadership within the healthcare system has condemned the incidents, with the NHS Race and Health Observatory characterizing them as indicative of broader societal prejudice. Officials noted that such abuse creates psychological distress for healthcare workers from diverse backgrounds while they continue providing patient care during vulnerable moments.
Historical data from other healthcare professions suggests this represents part of a broader pattern. The Royal College of Nursing reported a 55% increase in racist incidents among its membership over a three-year period, while recent NHS staff surveys found that one in five black and minority-ethnic staff reported abuse, bullying, or harassment from patients or the public, compared with one in 20 white staff members.
NHS England leadership has stated that racist abuse toward staff is unacceptable and outlined new national standards requiring organizations to take action to prevent racism, support affected employees, and establish consequences for patients who engage in racial abuse or discrimination, including potential refusal of care in non-emergency situations.
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