We know that many of you and our colleagues have been impacted by the recent racist, anti-migrant and Islamophobic attacks on people, shops, mosques and community buildings . People are unsettled and frightened, and we must be supportive of each other at times like this.
The BMA opposes racism and fascism, and BMA members may need to organise with others to keep our communities safe for colleagues and patients.
Supporting colleagues and patients
Employers and medical schools urgently need to support migrant and ethnic minority staff and students, including those facing racism from patients.
BMA members, we’re reminding you all to support each other – accompany vulnerable colleagues to and from work if needed. Remember, there is strength in numbers.
It is reasonable to ask for your work to provide taxis for staff who are unable to travel safely to and from their workplace due to racist riots. Other measures may include facilitating staff to leave work early if colleagues become aware of planned riots near the hospital and pausing lone working in the community.
It is usually better to make these demands to your employer as a collective rather than as an individual. Your LNC (local negotiating committee) may be able to help make these collective demands. You might also need to liaise with representatives from other unions involved in representing staff in your workplace such as the RCN, Unite and Unison.
Dealing with racism at work
Healthcare workers and students should not have to tolerate racism at work, in placements or in their studies. If you are subjected to racism, or witness it, you should be able to formally raise the issue if you feel safe to do so. It is important that you prioritise your safety and your colleagues in consultations.
We know it can be difficult to raise concerns. You can contact the BMA for wellbeing and general support if you need it, and we’ve published guidance for managing discrimination from patients which you may find helpful. It contains clear steps to take when incidents of racist abuse against healthcare staff occur.
Your employer should have reporting systems, but you can also consider reporting to the police and agencies such as Islamophobia Response Unit or TellMAMA.
If you are a GP, ensure familiarity with practice and local policies on abusive patients. Be prepared to use your warning and off-listing procedures. Where necessary, consider referral to the Special Allocation Scheme (England), Challenging Behaviour General Practice (Scotland), Alternative Treatment Scheme (Wales) or Violent Patients Scheme (NI). Liaise with your LMC if unsure and for mutual support.
The GMC’s guidance on dealing with racism in the workplace might also be useful.
Fighting racism in our communities
Trade unions have historically played a crucial role in the anti-fascist movement. Following years of anti-migrant rhetoric, trade unions and community organisations are coming together across the country to support affected communities and protest against fascism.
We anticipate that many BMA members will participate in counter-protests over the coming days and weeks, and you may want to join local trade union coalitions and anti-racist community organisations. You might find it helpful to read resources from Runnymede Trust and Liberty.