Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Black and Asian nurses overlooked for promotion due to structural racism: Study

The study suggested that racism is “endemic� in health and care

Black and Asian nurses overlooked for promotion due to structural racism: Study

A new study has revealed that NHS nurses from minority ethnic backgrounds were overlooked for promotion due to structural racism, according to a report.

It added that white nurses are twice as likely as black and Asian colleagues to be promoted in the NHS, the Guardian reported.


A survey of almost 10,000 nursing staff by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has revealed that those who are white or of mixed ethnic background are more likely than black and Asian colleagues to have received at least one promotion since the start of their career.

According to the research, published at its annual congress in Glasgow, the difference is most stark among those aged between 35 and 44.

As many as 65.9 per cent of white and 64 per cent of mixed ethnic respondents in this age group said they had been promoted, this dropped to just 38.3 per cent of Asian and 35.2 per cent of black respondents, the Guardian report said. 

The college called on the government to take action to tackle racism, including a legal requirement to eliminate disparities in recruitment, retention and career progression.

The study also said that black respondents working in hospitals and community care are more likely to report experiencing physical abuse than respondents of other ethnic backgrounds.

“Examples of racism experienced by nursing staff in the workplace are deeply shocking. The pandemic has shone a spotlight on structural racism in health and care services and we must seize this opportunity to stamp out this vile behaviour once and for all," Bruno Daniel, the RCN’s diversity and equalities coordinator, was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

Agency nurse Roseline Sanni-Ajose has alleged that due to the shortage of PPE, black and ethnic minority nurses were not given adequate masks and were told to reuse our protective clothing and wear a gown all day, even if we’d been exposed to Covid-19 patients.”

Saffron Cordery, the interim chief executive of NHS Providers, has said that the findings represented fresh evidence of “the unacceptable presence of structural racism within our health and care system”.

"Every leader across the NHS and government has a duty to actively work to eliminate inequality based on race. NHS boards and senior leaders must demonstrate the behaviours expected and needed – collectively and individually – to dispel prejudices," Cordery said.

Earlier this year, the Guardian revealed that a damning review commissioned by the NHS Race and Health Observatory had found that “vast” and “widespread” inequity in every aspect of healthcare it reviewed was harming the health of millions of patients.

An NHS England spokesperson has said that it is important that there are more minority ethnic nurses in senior roles than ever before.

More For You

Starmer-Getty

Starmer also condemned the 'poison of the far-right,' referencing threats made against safeguarding minister Jess Phillips. (Photo: Getty Images)

Starmer criticises online 'misinformation' after Musk's criticism

KEIR STARMER on Monday criticised those "spreading lies and misinformation" online, following a series of attacks from Elon Musk over historical child rape crimes in northern England.

Speaking to reporters, Starmer said: "Those that are spreading lies and misinformation as far and as wide as possible, they’re not interested in victims, they’re interested in themselves."

Keep ReadingShow less
NHS

Community Diagnostic Centres will operate 12 hours daily, seven days a week, providing services like scans and endoscopies closer to patients’ homes. (Photo: Getty Images)

New NHS plan aims to cut waiting lists by nearly half a million

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a plan to reduce NHS waiting lists in England by nearly half a million over the next year.

The initiative focuses on expanding Community Diagnostic Centres, creating more surgical hubs, and improving patient choice to address inefficiencies, reported the BBC.

Keep ReadingShow less
uk-snow-getty

Yellow warnings for snow and ice are in effect across Scotland, Wales, northern England, and the Midlands, valid until midday Monday. (Photo: Getty Images)

Snow, ice, and rain warnings continue amid flood risks

WARNINGS for snow, ice, and rain remain active across the UK, with southern England facing flood risks due to rain and melting snow from milder temperatures.

Over 100 flood warnings have been issued in southern England, where flooding is “expected,” and more than 260 flood alerts are in place across England and Wales, indicating flooding is “possible,” BBC reported.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jake-Sullivan-Getty

Jake Sullivan, US National Security Adviser, is visiting New Delhi from 5-6 January. (Photo: Getty Images)

Chinese dams expected to feature in India-US talks

US National Security Adviser (NSA) Jake Sullivan is visiting New Delhi from 5-6 January, with discussions expected to cover the impact of Chinese dams, according to a senior US official.

The official stated that Washington has observed environmental and climate effects from Chinese dams, including those in the Mekong region, which have affected downstream countries. Sullivan’s visit will address India’s concerns regarding similar projects.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child abuse inquiry: Former prosecutor dismisses Musk's demands

Nazir Afzal

Child abuse inquiry: Former prosecutor dismisses Musk's demands


A FORMER chief prosecutor has pushed back against calls from Elon Musk and Conservative politicians for a new national inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Britain.

Nazir Afzal, who successfully prosecuted the Rochdale child sexual abusers, pointed out that previous extensive inquiries were largely ignored by the Tory government.

Keep ReadingShow less