We must combat racism against NHS staff and patients
27 October 2025
Daniel Elkeles responds to a Royal College of Nursing. survey.
Daniel Elkeles
Chief Executive,
NHS Providers
A ‘shocking’ surge in racism at work has been reported by the Royal College of Nursing.
Daniel Elkeles, chief executive, NHS Providers, said:
"There’s no room for racism in the NHS. It’s horrific.
"We wouldn’t have an NHS if we hadn’t over decades recruited talented and valued people from around the world. Diversity of the NHS workforce is one of its biggest strengths.
"All of our highly valued NHS staff should feel safe at work and be treated with respect as they do their best for patients and communities. Trust leaders know they must do more to create the right conditions to enable this and take action when these behaviours occur.
"Politicians and public must understand that what they say and do have consequences."
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