New NHS President Calls for Action Against Institutional Racism in the Mental Health Sector
In his valedictory address as president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Dr Adrian James has outlined the urgent need for the NHS to address institutional racism within the mental health sector. Speaking at the college’s International Congress in Liverpool, Dr James emphasized that racism is a stain on the NHS that not only harms patients but also drives psychiatrists and other health professionals away from the service.
Dr James highlighted the pervasiveness of institutional racism in society and stressed that the NHS is not exempt from this issue. He noted the unfair ethnic pay gaps, disparities in disciplinary processes, and the glass ceiling that hinders doctors from ethnic minority backgrounds in securing management positions. To attract and retain psychiatrists and other health professionals, addressing racism in the workplace is crucial.
The new president’s remarks reflect the findings of a recent survey of college members, which revealed that 58% of doctors from minority ethnic backgrounds have experienced overt or covert racism in their workplace. Furthermore, 29% of those who encountered racism reported that it negatively impacted their own health, while 41% said it affected patients or their caregivers.
Dr James also drew attention to NHS data showing that doctors from minority ethnic backgrounds are paid an average of 7% less than their white peers. Additionally, the NHS Medical Workforce Race Equality Standard report stated that while doctors from ethnic minority backgrounds make up 41.9% of the medical workforce in England, they account for just 20.3% of medical directors.
Highlighting the presence of racism within the mental health sector, the Mental Welfare Commission Scotland recently published a report revealing that almost one-third of doctors reported witnessing or experiencing racism towards their NHS colleagues.
In response to these concerning findings, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has launched a campaign called Act Against Racism, urging mental health employers across the UK to adopt 15 actions aimed at combating racism in the workplace. The campaign provides guidance, including practical examples, on how to address both institutional and interpersonal racism.
Dr James highlighted the significance of the college’s Tackling Racism in the Workplace guidance, stating that it will assist every mental health employer in the UK in taking strategic and systemic actions against racism. The guidance outlines clear and measurable steps for employers to recognize and respond to racial and ethnic discrimination, while also suggesting sources of support within and outside their organizations.
The steps taken by the Royal College of Psychiatrists demonstrate a commitment to confronting the issue of institutional racism within the mental health sector. By addressing racism head-on and providing practical measures for employers to implement, the hope is that the NHS will become a more inclusive and supportive environment for psychiatrists and other health practitioners from all backgrounds.
It is critical that the NHS, as an institution responsible for the well-being of the nation, fulfills its moral, ethical, and legal duty to eradicate racism in all its forms. By doing so, lives will be improved, mental health will be better protected, and the healthcare system as a whole will benefit from the contributions of a diverse and empowered workforce.
