We must combat racism against NHS staff and patients
Daniel Elkeles responds to a Royal College of Nursing. survey.

Daniel Elkeles
Chief Executive,
NHS Providers
A ‘shocking’ surge in racism at work has been reported by the Royal College of Nursing.
Daniel Elkeles, chief executive, NHS Providers, said:
"There’s no room for racism in the NHS. It’s horrific.
"We wouldn’t have an NHS if we hadn’t over decades recruited talented and valued people from around the world. Diversity of the NHS workforce is one of its biggest strengths.
"All of our highly valued NHS staff should feel safe at work and be treated with respect as they do their best for patients and communities. Trust leaders know they must do more to create the right conditions to enable this and take action when these behaviours occur.
"Politicians and public must understand that what they say and do have consequences."
Related articles
- Event

An evening with Victor Adebowale: Championing inclusive leadership
29 October 202617:30 - 20:30In-person
Join the BME Leadership Network for an evening of discussion, learning and networking with Lord Victor Adebowale and special guests.
Race equality
- Event
Using quality improvement to address inequalities in maternity care
8 October 202610:30 - 12:00Online
This webinar will explore what effective local action can look like in response to racial inequality in maternity and neonatal care.
Improvement
Quality
Race equality
Health inequalities
- Insights

‘It should not fall to those experiencing racism to fix the conditions that allow it to persist’
24 Sep 2026
Sir Ciarán Devane, chief executive of the NHS Alliance on leadership and race equality in the NHS.
Race equality
Workforce
Leadership