- 24-hour Emergency Line: 0300 30 32 442
As the calendar turns, we know that for every healthcare professional this period brings a unique convergence of personal and professional challenges. While the festive season offers moments of respite and joy, we also acknowledge the severe strain that Winter is already placing upon our already overstretched system with the ‘superflu’ causing increasing staff sickness in addition to many hospitals slipping into critical states. I hope you are able to find genuine time to dedicate to yourself and your loved ones when the demands on your professional time are so high.
However, this year, my thoughts have been occupied by something more unsettling than seasonal capacity issues: the reports of an alarming surge in hostility, violence, and discrimination directed towards our healthcare community, often stemming from the public, but sadly, sometimes from within our own ranks.
The year started with some warning signs. Annual reports confirmed that up to 1 in 7 NHS staff faced physical violence from the public in 2024, and that nearly 1 in 10 experienced discrimination, with ethnicity being a frequent basis for this unacceptable behaviour.
Later in the year, more reports confirmed this trend to be on the increase, and to compound this, the Royal College of Nursing has warned of a 55% increase in racist complaints over just three years. Just last month, the GMC and NHS leaders warned of a 26% increase in overseas-trained doctors leaving the UK, blaming the increased denigration of and abuse directed at migrants as a main reason.
The rise of anti migrant rhetoric has not left the healthcare community untouched, to the point that very recently, seven of the most prominent healthcare professional organisations and unions felt it necessary to issue a joint statement demanding an end to the ‘escalating use of hostile language’ against people from overseas living in the UK.
This must not be normalised.
I exhort you to challenge this behaviour whenever and wherever it is safe to do so. Remember that your employer has a duty of care, and these incidents, whether physical abuse or subtle discrimination, should never be glossed over or ignored.
You do not need to stand alone. Medical Defence Shield (MDS) is uniquely equipped to support you beyond clinical matters. We possess the expertise to help you seek redress and challenge harassment, bullying, and discrimination in your workplace, upholding your rights as a human being and a professional. If you suspect discrimination, misconduct or experience violence, MDS can support you with integrity and defence.
But we must also remember that all around us we will witness and participate in the compassion, generosity, and community spirit that often shines brightest during this demanding period, and that by and far we are surrounded by wonderful people who are genuinely kind, fair, and generous.
To you all, I wish a serene Christmas season.
MDS can help If you are a Medical Defence Shield member, and require support with a clinical or employment matter, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0300 30 32 442 or [email protected] and we will be more than happy to assist you.
Not an MDS member? Get in touch and join today!
