‘Patients have tried to punch me because of my skin colour’
Patients have tried to punch me because of my skin colour
Reports of racial abuse in NHS rising sharply
Patients have tried to punch me because – A recent BBC investigation has revealed a substantial surge in complaints about NHS staff facing racial abuse from patients. This trend has been observed across various healthcare settings, with healthcare workers reporting more frequent verbal and physical assaults due to their ethnicity. Among those affected is Nurse Tito Vicario, who has worked at Sunderland Royal Hospital for two years. He recounts experiencing racial slurs multiple times, often leaving him feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable.
Vicario emphasizes that the abuse isn’t limited to words. “There are moments where patients attempt to hit or slap you,” he explains. “It’s not just about being insulted—it impacts your mental state and confidence.” In one instance, a patient directed a highly offensive racial slur at him, and while the family later apologized, the emotional weight of the incident lingered. “It makes you feel powerless and anxious,” Vicario adds, highlighting the lasting psychological effects of such encounters.
Frontline workers bear the brunt
The BBC analyzed data from 106 NHS trusts in England, uncovering 8,235 reports of racial abuse in 2024. This marks a 17% increase from the 7,002 cases recorded in 2023. While some trusts lacked historical data, campaigners argue the issue has been growing for years. The rise in reported incidents may also be attributed to improved awareness and staff encouragement to document their experiences.
However, the total number of incidents could be even higher, as not all trusts provided data. Neomi Bennett, founder of the campaign group Equality 4 Black Nurses, points out that many cases remain unreported. “Around 67% of incidents go unacknowledged,” she says, noting that some healthcare professionals fear the system won’t protect them. “This has led some nurses to leave the profession, opting for less risky careers like retail or sales,” she adds, underscoring the broader implications for the workforce.
Similarly, Ishaan, an ambulance worker from India, has encountered racial abuse while handling calls for the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS). He chose to withhold his real name and photo to avoid further harassment. “Callers sometimes say, ‘We want to speak to an English person, we don’t want to speak to you,’” he recalls. Others have insulted him with remarks like, “Go back to where you came from, you’ve taken everything from us.”
These incidents often escalate when demands aren’t met. “When their expectations aren’t fulfilled, they become aggressive and use racial slurs,” Ishaan explains. He notes that such abuse has become more frequent this year, with racial insults occurring multiple times daily. “It makes my work harder and delays patient care,” he says, reflecting on the added stress of these encounters.
Despite the challenges, Ishaan remains determined to continue his work. “The kindness of some callers keeps me motivated,” he shares. “That small thank you at the end gives me hope.” Yet, the emotional toll is undeniable. “The abuse lowers my confidence and takes a mental toll,” he admits. “Sometimes I question whether staying in this job is still worth it.”
Systemic issues and institutional responses
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) acknowledges the growing problem, stating that the NHS has a “zero tolerance approach to racism.” A spokesperson notes, “Discrimination undermines everything our health service stands for,” and highlights the recent increase in racist incidents against staff as “intolerable.” The DHSC is currently reviewing instances of antisemitism and other forms of racial discrimination within the healthcare sector.
As part of this effort, a support package has been introduced to safeguard frontline workers from violence and aggression. The initiative includes mandatory incident reporting at a national level, with data collected to identify patterns and target groups facing higher risks. “This will help us understand who is most affected,” the spokesperson says, while stressing the importance of addressing the issue comprehensively.
While these measures aim to provide better protection, staff like Vicario and Ishaan continue to navigate the emotional challenges of racial abuse. Vicario describes how the constant fear of being targeted affects his daily work. “Whenever I sense it’s going to happen again, my heart races,” he says, illustrating the anxiety that comes with being in a minority group within the NHS.
Ishaan’s experiences reflect a similar sentiment. “The abuse makes me question my future in England,” he says. “It takes a toll on my mental health and confidence.” Yet, he remains committed to his role, driven by the gratitude of patients and the belief that his work has value. “I keep going because I know there are people who appreciate what I do,” he says, even as he faces repeated racial slurs.
Together, these accounts paint a picture of a healthcare system grappling with rising racial tensions. The abuse isn’t just an isolated occurrence but a systemic issue that impacts both the physical and emotional well-being of staff. As the number of reports continues to climb, the need for stronger support mechanisms becomes more pressing. “It’s not just about the words or the punches—it’s about the lasting damage these incidents cause,” Vicario asserts.
The DHSC’s commitment to tackling racism is evident in its efforts to analyze data and implement preventive measures. However, for many workers, the journey to feel safe in their roles is ongoing. “We’re still people, not just punching bags,” Ishaan says, echoing a common sentiment among those affected. The challenge now lies in translating these measures into meaningful change, ensuring that every worker—regardless of their background—can perform their duties without fear.