People who are racist to NHS staff in health settings “can and should” be turned away from care, the Health Secretary has said.
Wes Streeting said the Government “will not tolerate” the continuation of violence seen in towns and cities across England in the aftermath of the Southport stabbings.
In an interview with the PA news agency, Mr Streeting condemned the “mindless thuggery” seen on streets across Britain over the past week.
The two nurses were attacked on Friday evening as they travelled to work to provide emergency cover during unrest in Sunderland.
According to reports, the taxi they were travelling in was pelted with rocks. While the nurses were physically unharmed the Mirror reported they were left “terrified” by the ordeal.
Speaking during a visit to the Leeds Cancer Centre, Mr Streeting told PA that the NHS has a “zero tolerance” approach to racism.
“I was appalled by reports of violence directed towards Filipino nurses in Sunderland – these were nurses going into work to provide emergency care and their attackers bring shame on our flag and shame on our country.”
He added: “I will not tolerate, under any circumstances, NHS or social care staff in any health or care setting being subjected to intimidation, harassment or racist abuse.
“We have a zero tolerance policy in the NHS and we’ll take a zero tolerance approach in social care too.
“People who are abusing NHS staff can be turned away, and should be turned away, if that is the way that they are treating our staff.”
Mr Streeting continued: “I think the overwhelming majority of people in our country are utterly disgusted and appalled by the racism and violence on display.
“I think we are lucky to have people in our NHS and social care sectors who come from around the world to provide great, compassionate care.
“And those people that have hijacked our flag for their mindless, racist thuggery – they have no idea about this country’s history or heritage, and they have brought enormous shame on our country by attacking NHS staff in this way.”
Professor Nicola Ranger, general secretary and chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, said: “The Health Secretary has talked about his commitment to tackling any abuse of nursing staff and all health workers. Wes Streeting said that for him that this is grounds for turning away patients.
“We have updated the RCN’s guidance on when and how our members can refuse to treat a patient in their care. This is the most difficult decision, and every situation and patient interaction is unique.
“I am demanding that Government ensures anybody targeting our members pays a very heavy price. Hearing that nurses going to work in Sunderland came under attack is unforgivable.
“Migrant nursing staff are precious members of our communities, hardwired into the very DNA of our health and care services. Our international colleagues are welcome, valued and owed a debt of gratitude.
“These scenes around the country are nothing short of despicable racism – they have no place in our society.”
In a message to nursing staff across the country, she added: “Your employer has a duty of care to keep you safe at work: whether that’s a hospital or delivering care alone in community settings.
“Your organisation needs to act urgently to reassure nursing staff, review risk assessments and implement any measures necessary to keep you safe.”
@filipinonurseuk strongly condemns the recent racist attacks on our dedicated Filipino nurses in Sunderland. Our community has been an integral part of the NHS since 1969. We are united against racism and will continue to support our colleagues.#StopRacism pic.twitter.com/QNHHHt676d
— Filipino Nurses Association UK (@filipinonurseuk) August 5, 2024
It comes after GP leaders issued a warning to family doctors after reports that staff had been “targeted” during the attacks.
Family doctors and their teams have been urged to “remain vigilant, particularly when travelling to and from work”, after reports of attacks on healthcare workers.
The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) highlighted “horrific and unacceptable” abuse and violence towards healthcare workers, “especially those from ethnic minorities”.
The RCGP urged staff to travel in groups “where possible” and to try to avoid areas where there is known unrest.
Meanwhile, two GP surgeries in north-east London have said that they are planning to shut early on Wednesday because of potential unrest in the area.
NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard also condemned the disorder, saying that the violence has left many NHS workers feeling “afraid and unwelcome”.
