NHS: Abuse
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what data his Department holds on the number of incidents of racial abuse towards NHS workers each year.
Answered by Karin Smyth
Any form of racism or discrimination is unacceptable and has no place in our National Health Service. NHS Staff Survey data shows that disabled staff, staff from an ethnic minority background, and staff with other protected characteristics face greater challenges when it comes to abuse, bullying, harassment, and career progression.
Reporting arrangements are determined at a local level, and NHS organisations are encouraged to ensure they have robust processes in place to enable and support staff to report incidents of abuse, including racial abuse.
As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will introduce a new set of staff standards which will include violence prevention and reduction, and tackling racism and sexual harassment. They will be measured through the NHS Oversight Framework.
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