A report based on responses from 381 members of the Society of Radiographers documents a rise in overt racist incidents targeting NHS radiography staff over the past 18 months. The survey captures instances where patients used derogatory language, refused treatment from black and Asian clinicians, and made comments questioning immigration and worker qualifications.
Specific examples from the report include patients using racial slurs, making derogatory remarks about staff appearance and religious attire, and making assumptions about staff competence based on race or accent. One radiographer described patients claiming inability to understand clear speech while understanding other accented English speakers. Another account involved a patient refusing care based on perceived racial characteristics.
Prof Habib Naqvi, chief executive of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, characterized the incidents as reflecting broader societal prejudices with harmful consequences for healthcare workers. He emphasized that such treatment creates significant emotional and psychological strain on medical staff while they provide care during vulnerable patient moments. Leadership stressed that the NHS depends on international healthcare workers and called for consistent enforcement of anti-racism policies.
A radiographer from Bedfordshire who relocated from Nigeria five years ago linked the apparent increase in racist incidents to shifts in public discourse surrounding immigration. He noted that commentary previously considered unacceptable has become more common in some quarters.
Other healthcare organizations have documented similar trends. The Royal College of Nursing reported a 55% increase in racist incidents affecting its members over a three-year period. The latest NHS staff survey indicated that one in five black and minority-ethnic staff experienced abuse, bullying or harassment from patients or the public, compared with one in 20 white staff. NHS England leadership reiterated that racist conduct has no place in healthcare settings and stated that new national standards require organizations to take action against such behavior, potentially including refusal of non-emergency care.
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