NHS Staff Survey shows there is a long way to go in vital work to tackle racism

Responding to the findings of the 2024 NHS Staff Survey, the interim chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

"It is really worrying to see from these findings that staff experience of discrimination at work has increased, with much of it based on ethnicity.

"The gap in discrimination and bullying, harassment or abuse from patients, their families and the public is growing compared with white colleagues.

"Clearly, there is still a long way to go for the NHS in its vital work to tackle racism.

"It is also a real concern to see the rise in attacks on staff, and continuing high incidence of unwanted sexual behaviour.

"We can also see the impact of the relentless pressures many staff face, though it is encouraging to see improving satisfaction with flexible working, home and work life balance, and with line managers.

"It is also heartening to see that the figures for people feeling unwell as a result of work related stress have fallen to a five-year low.

"These findings offer invaluable insights into staff concerns.

"Trust leaders will examine them closely to identify opportunities for learning and improvement, to support their staff and in turn, deliver better care for patients."