NEWS FOCUS

Nursing staff working in England's NHS face a tide of racism, abuse and bullying while an overstretched, under-resourced, underpaid workforce is causing many to work hours without pay and others to work while unwell.

The RCN says the latest NHS Staff Survey findings provide an urgent reality check for government ministers, and lay bare the impact of workforce shortages.

The survey shows 35% have experienced bullying, harassment or abuse at work.

Additionally, 14% of nursing and midwifery staff have faced discrimination at work from patients, their relatives or other members of the public in the last 12 months, with 66% citing discrimination on the grounds of their ethnic background.

‘It is disturbing and saddening to see the levels of bullying, abuse, and discrimination aimed at staff as they care for patients. This should send shockwaves through the NHS, government, and society. Racism must be unacceptable in our health care system, and employers and government must take a strong stance on stamping this out,’ said Executive Director of RCN England Patricia Marquis.