Nurses Face Surge in Racism: Patients Refuse Care Due to Race

A "catastrophic rise in racism" is being experienced by nurses across the UK, according to recent reports. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) highlighted that calls to its helpline from staff facing discrimination have increased by 70%. Data gathered between 2022 and 2025 reveals over 21,725 reported incidents involving racial abuse or discrimination against NHS staff. This figure is estimated to be significantly higher, potentially over 40,000, if all NHS trusts had effective reporting systems.

Nurses shared harrowing experiences, including patients refusing treatment from black nurses or those with foreign accents, with comments like "go back to your country." Incidents also extend to prejudice from colleagues who question qualifications. The RCN has urged health leaders and governments to address this crisis by implementing standardized incident reporting. England's Chief Nursing Officer, Duncan Burton, stated that such racism is "totally unacceptable" and called for a zero-tolerance approach, encouraging staff to report incidents to ensure action is taken.