Patients have tried to punch me because of my skin colour

Patients have tried to punch me because – A recent BBC investigation highlights a growing trend of racial abuse directed at NHS staff by patients, revealing a sharp rise in incidents over the past two years. Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals report facing verbal and physical attacks due to their ethnicity, with some experiencing repeated discrimination. This issue has sparked concern among workers and campaigners, who argue that the problem has worsened significantly in recent times.

Experiences from the front line

Nurse Tito Vicario, who hails from the Philippines, recounts his encounters with racial prejudice while working at Sunderland Royal Hospital. Over the past two years, he has faced multiple instances of racial abuse, often leaving him feeling anxious and vulnerable. “Whenever I sense the tension building, my heart races,” he explains. “It’s not just the words they say—it’s the fear of what might come next.” While most attacks are verbal, Vicario recalls an incident where a patient, in a moment of fury, attempted to strike him. “Sometimes they try to punch you or slap you,” he says. “It’s not just about the physical harm—it hits you emotionally too.” The patient’s family quickly apologised, but Vicario felt the impact of the slur lingered, leaving him questioning his place in the workplace.

“They try to say these things to release their anger and anxiety but we’re not punching bags, we’re still people,” Vicario adds. “You can’t hit back, just smile. You just take it.”

Similar experiences are shared by Ishaan, a call handler for the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) who has remained anonymous to avoid further harassment. For the last two years, he has managed over 1,100 calls, often encountering patients who lash out with racial slurs. “Callers sometimes say they want to speak to an English person, we don’t want to speak to you,” he says. “Or they tell me to go back to where I came from, you’ve taken everything from us.” When their demands are not met, the abuse escalates, sometimes occurring multiple times daily. “It makes my job harder and delays patient care,” Ishaan explains. “There are days when I have to stop taking calls because I become so distressed, frustrated, and angry.” The constant verbal onslaught has made him doubt whether his career in the NHS is sustainable in the long term.

Rising numbers and underreporting

The BBC’s analysis of Freedom of Information requests submitted to all NHS hospital and mental health trusts in England shows a troubling pattern. From 106 trusts that provided data, 8,235 reports of racial abuse by patients were recorded in 2024, a 17% increase compared to the 7,002 incidents reported in 2023. However, some trusts did not track such incidents prior to 2023, meaning comparisons are limited. Campaigners insist the problem has been escalating for years, with many staff now hesitant to report racism due to fears of retaliation.

Neomi Bennett, founder of the Equality 4 Black Nurses campaign, underscores the extent of underreporting. “In our research, around 67% of incidents go unreported,” she says. “Some workers don’t trust the system to protect them.” This lack of confidence has led to a shift in career paths, with several nurses opting to leave the profession for less stressful roles. “Some have moved into retail or sales, where they feel safer,” Bennett notes. “The NHS is a vital service, but the daily toll of racism can be overwhelming.”

Systemic challenges and responses

Despite the challenges, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has acknowledged the issue, stating that the NHS maintains a “zero tolerance approach to racism.” However, a spokesperson admitted that “an intolerable rise in racism against hardworking NHS staff” has been observed in recent years. “Discrimination undermines everything our health service stands for,” they said. The DHSC is currently conducting a review into antisemitism and other forms of racial abuse, aiming to identify systemic issues and address them effectively.

As part of this effort, a support package was announced to protect frontline workers from violence and aggression, set to be implemented in 2025. The plan includes mandatory reporting of incidents at a national level, ensuring data is compiled and analysed to determine if specific groups of staff are disproportionately targeted. “By collecting these reports, we can better understand the patterns and take targeted action,” a DHSC representative stated. Yet, even with these measures, staff like Vicario and Ishaan express concern that the problem will not be resolved quickly.

The human cost of racial abuse

Vicario’s story reflects a broader sentiment among NHS workers. “It lowers my confidence and takes a mental toll,” he says. “I often wonder if it’s still worth it to stay in this job.” Ishaan echoes this sentiment, describing how the abuse has affected his mental well-being. “It puts stress on me and makes me question whether I can continue working in England,” he admits. “But the kindness of some callers keeps me going—those little thank yous remind me why I chose this path.”

While the data provides a snapshot of the problem, campaigners argue that the true scale may be even greater. “Not all trusts provided data, so the total figure could be higher,” Bennett explains. “Some incidents might be overlooked or not recorded at all.” The combination of increased reporting and a more visible awareness of racism has brought the issue to the forefront, but it remains a persistent challenge for healthcare workers. For those on the front lines, the struggle to provide care while enduring prejudice is a daily reality. “It’s not just about being insulted—it’s about feeling unsafe and undervalued,” Vicario says. “Every time someone attacks me because of my skin colour, it’s like a small but heavy blow to my confidence.”

The NHS, as a cornerstone of public service, is now facing a crisis that extends beyond medical care. Racial abuse is no longer a rare occurrence but a recurring issue that affects staff morale and patient outcomes. As the number of reports climbs, the question remains: how long will workers endure this treatment before the system changes? For now, the stories of Vicario and Ishaan serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those in the healthcare sector, highlighting the need for stronger support and systemic reform.