55% rise in racist incidents across UK healthcare sector

According to the RCN’s analysis, the number of reports filed by nurses about racist incidents in the workplace has risen by 55% over the past three years.

The union estimates it will receive more than 1,000 calls from nurses seeking advice and support after experiencing racist abuse at work by the end of 2025 — compared to around 700 in 2022.

Examples of racist abuse reported to the RCN include a nurse being denied annual leave and told by her manager that she “should never have come to the UK.” Another member was reportedly told, “Just to remind you, you’re not one of us.”

Other cases include a patient and their family repeatedly refusing care from a nurse because of her race, referring to her as a “slave.” Another Black nurse reported being subjected to racist remarks.

Nicola Ranger, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, described the rise in racist incidents in the UK’s health services as “a national shame.”

“Every nursing professional from an ethnic minority background deserves to go to work without fear of harassment,” Ranger said. “Employers have a legal duty to ensure safety in the workplace. These findings must focus attention on tackling racism. If healthcare employers cannot make workplaces safe, it’s no surprise that staff are leaving — and patients’ care will suffer.”

The RCN urged the government to end the use of anti-immigration rhetoric, saying it puts healthcare workers at risk.

“The reality is that our health and social care system only functions because nursing staff of every ethnicity, nationality, and religion make it work,” Ranger added. “We are calling on the government and all politicians to recognize their role in combating racism — and that includes ending divisive anti-immigration language that only fuels racist behavior.”

The RCN also called on employers to prioritize tackling racism and to work with trade unions to build stronger mechanisms for protecting staff.

A spokesperson for the UK Department of Health and Social Care said:

“These figures are shocking, and we sympathize deeply with the victims of this appalling abuse. Racism and discrimination in our healthcare system are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. As part of wider efforts to address inequality in health services, the Prime Minister has ordered an urgent review of all forms of racism in the NHS.”