If I Was Appointed to Tackle Racism in the NHS, this is what I would do: A Call to Action for Change

Sorry it's been a while since my last newsletter. I guess life happens and we so we move. I digress.

As the founder of a nonprofit patient organisation that supports and represents Black individuals living with multiple health issues, I know firsthand the impact of racism on Black people. My own experiences help me understand the struggles of those I serve. However, it’s important to remember that racism doesn’t just affect Black people—it impacts individuals from various communities, cultures, and backgrounds. We all need to be part of this conversation.

Racism is a problem for everyone, not just for those who are directly oppressed. People from different cultures can also be racist towards one another. It’s crucial to recognise this reality. We are all part of one human race, and we should work together to eliminate this poison from our society.

The Importance of Reports

I believe in the value of reports. They provide insights into the experiences of NHS staff and members of the public, showing how individuals feel and what they face. While reports are beneficial for understanding what’s happening within the NHS, they are also important for society as a whole. There are many different areas and factors in society where racism occurs. However, for the sake of this article, we are focusing specifically on the NHS and its staff, as well as the experiences of the public.

But reports alone aren’t enough; we need action. Once a report is published, we need accountability. This means acknowledging the findings and taking real steps against those responsible for racist actions or policies.

For example, we’ve seen reports like the one on Child Q highlighting likely racism, or Casey’s report on the Metropolitan Police discussing systemic racism, yet there has been little action taken. The NHS COVID-19 report also showed clear signs of racism with no follow-up measures. The Grenfell Inquiry is another example; despite its findings, victims have yet to receive the support they need. We are left with inquiries telling us what we already know while questions remain about next steps and accountability for those who ignored warnings about dangerous living conditions. Where is the accountability for those who turned a blind eye to the suffering of these individuals?

If we truly want to tackle racism in the NHS, we must turn these findings into concrete actions.

Understanding Racism?

To effectively address racism within the NHS, we need to understand what racism looks like today. It’s essential to acknowledge that much of racism comes from personal experiences and is not always obvious to the naked eye. Many people have faced racism in ways that may be subtle or hidden, yet their experiences are valid and important.

We must find a way to identify common similarities within these experiences so we can work on them together. This may not be easy because each person’s experience can be subjective, but it is crucial for us to develop guidelines that reflect these shared experiences. By doing so, we can create a roadmap for recognising and addressing racism moving forward.

This conversation should include everyone—not just NHS staff but all members of the public from different backgrounds and cultures. After all, everyone uses the NHS at some point in their lives, making it a collective issue that affects us all.

Building Consensus?

This process will take time. We might need hundreds of meetings to ensure there is a shared understanding of what racism is and how it affects us all. We need to create an environment where people can share their experiences openly, allowing us to work together to define racism.

Until we have clear guidelines that everyone agrees on regarding what constitutes racist behaviour, we will stay stuck in a cycle of reports without real change. We already have enough data; now it’s time for action.

Moving Forward Together?

Racism won’t disappear overnight. It shows up differently across various communities and cultures, affecting not only Black individuals but everyone involved in healthcare. Tackling racism within the NHS is a shared responsibility.

So, I ask you this: What would you do if you were appointed to tackle racism within the NHS? How would you work towards reducing it? Let’s start a conversation in the comments. There are many ways to address this issue, and sharing our ideas could lead us to meaningful solutions.

Together, we can identify racism and take steps to reduce its impact, ensuring that everyone receives the fair treatment they deserve in our healthcare system.

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