NHS staff tell of racism in new hard-hitting video from Show Racism the Red Card

North East-based Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) launched a new video today which follows the stories of front-line NHS staff as they recount their experience of racial discrimination at work.

With the NHS already experiencing staff shortages even before the unprecedented stress caused by the ongoing pandemic, the charity’s new project hopes to highlight that racism within the NHS remains a systemic issue that cannot be ignored, with its survival dependent on its BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) workforce.

Chief executive Ged Grebby said: “SRtRC is dedicated to tackling racism and promoting change in society through education.

“With this short film, we’re hoping we can again contribute to a discussion around combating rife racism in society – this time in the NHS.

“With BAME communities forming part of the backbone of our health service, and with the health service being integral to our society, we felt compelled to raise awareness around the discrimination suffered here.”

On a national level, of those reported to have experienced racism while at work in the NHS, 34% said the racism was frequent or regular, while 10% said it occurred weekly or even daily.

Almost one in 10 (8.8%) of those who responded had left their jobs as a consequence of the racism they experienced.

Mr Grebby added: “We were delighted to have the support of the NHS to produce this short film – and it’s particularly pertinent given the current pandemic.

“We hope we can encourage a model of good practice that can be adopted in wider society.”

Steve Howey, the former Newcastle United player, said: “Racism is never acceptable, but racism toward key workers during the Covid-19 crisis is scandalous.

“As a long-standing patron of Show Racism the Red Card for 24 years, I welcome this latest educational resource. I urge everyone to watch the film and to stay at home and support our key workers.”

Former and current footballers Gary Lineker, Andy Robertson, Wes Morgan, Chris Kamara as well as former England cricketer Monty Panesar have produced videos in support of the initiative.

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