Surge in Racist Abuse Against NHS Nurses Highlights Reporting Gaps

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) reported an 86 % rise in racist abuse of nursing staff between 2022 and 2023, with incidents climbing from 3,652 to 6,812. Abuse includes verbal slurs such as the N-word, physical aggression and patients refusing care from Black staff.

The Guardian

RCN secretary Prof Nicola Ranger said the surge reflects a “normalisation of extreme views in politics and the media.” Kate Jarman of Milton Keynes University Hospital Trust called it a “rising tide of racism” in NHS. Health secretary Wes Streeting warned of a return to “ugly” racism reminiscent of the 1970s-80s.

The Guardian

The RCN recorded 6,812 incidents in 2023 versus 3,652 in 2022, and calls to the advice line rose 70 % between 2022 and 2025. FOI data from 106 NHS trusts show 7,002 incidents in 2023 and 8,235 in 2024, a 17 % increase. Many trusts failed to retain data or gave implausibly low figures.

The Guardian

Prof Ranger called the rise “catastrophic” and demanded action. Dean Royles, interim chief executive of NHS Employers, said staff should not face violence because of their identity and pledged to fight racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia. Duncan Burton, NHS England’s chief nursing officer, labelled racism “totally unacceptable,” announced a national reporting system and pledged police involvement and psychological support.

The Guardian

The RCN criticised NHS trusts for not collecting reliable data, calling it a “policy of ‘don’t know, don’t care’.” Staff in some English areas reported feeling unsafe after St George’s flags marked “no-go zones.” RCN’s 6,812 figure contrasts with BBC-sourced 8,235 incidents for 2024. Many trusts refused FOI requests or supplied implausibly low numbers, and it remains unclear how many cases reached police or disciplinary action.

The Guardian

• “These figures show a catastrophic rise in the racist abuse faced by nursing staff,” — Prof Nicola Ranger, RCN General Secretary

The Guardian

• “[Racism] is a disgrace, and perhaps just as bad is the fact that many NHS trusts and health boards cannot even tell us how many staff have been on the receiving end. It amounts to a policy of ‘don’t know, don’t care’.” — Prof Nicola Ranger

The Guardian

• “It remains an outrage that NHS [staff] should be subjected to violence and abuse because of who they are,” — Dean Royles, interim chief executive, NHS Employers

The Guardian

• “All local organisations must take a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, taking action including police involvement and criminal prosecution as appropriate.” — Duncan Burton, NHS England chief nursing officer

The Guardian

NHS England will launch a national reporting platform to capture all racist incidents. The system will trigger mandatory local investigations, disciplinary reviews, and psychological support. Trusts are expected to cooperate with police where criminal conduct is identified, aiming to reduce under-reporting and improve staff safety.

The Guardian