News / Southmead Hospital
Southmead Hospital launches zero tolerance policy to protect staff from racism
An increase in racist incidents on hospital wards nationally has prompted North Bristol NHS Trust to launch a new zero-tolerance approach.
Under the policy, any patient abusing staff will be challenged and warned, leading to a sports-style disciplinary yellow card and then final red card, in which treatment would be withdrawn as soon as is safe.
North Bristol NHS Trust, which runs Southmead and Cossham hospitals, launched its Red Card to Racism campaign on Monday, November 4, as part of a drive to protect all staff from any discrimination and encourage them to report unacceptable behaviour.
is needed now More than ever
Andrea Young, chief executive of North Bristol NHS Trust said: “We have staff from many different backgrounds, from all over the world, and we pride ourselves on our commitment to equality which is a fundamental value of the NHS.
“We’re sending a strong signal that any racism or discrimination is completely unacceptable – we want staff to challenge and report it and we want everyone to know that it will have consequences.”
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The abusive behaviour policy covers anyone with mental capacity making:
· Racist or sexist language, gestures or behaviour.
· Excessive noise.
· Abuse of alcohol or drugs.
· Threatening and offensive language.
· Malicious allegations.
· Intentional damage to trust property.
Any cases will be reported on the trust’s incident management system and on patients’ individual notes.
Consultant Dr Talal Valliani speaks about racist abuse he has been subjected to while on duty
Posters around the hospital and videos and photos on social media will inform staff that they are protected by the policy and encourage them to speak up if they witness or experience an incident of racism or discrimination.
The hospital will also be calling for staff to join its Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Network to champion the approach and to provide support to any affected staff.
Alex Raikes from Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI) said: “SARI is working with a number of hospital trusts regarding racist incidents towards staff and patients and is pleased to be supporting a dedicated working group at North Bristol NHS Trust in enforcing the zero tolerance approach towards racism and hate crime.
“It is crucial that hospitals are safe, respectful and inclusive environments, and that all the hard-working employees’ feel fully supported when they face such abuse.
“It’s great to see North Bristol NHS Trust putting out the strongest message possible to the wider community about the abhorrence of any forms of discrimination against their staff or visitors.”
Main photo by Barbara Evripidou
Read more: A video message of thanks from North Bristol NHS Trust staff
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