Nurses across the UK reported a sharp rise in racist abuse last year, with 6,812 incidents recorded—nearly double the 3,652 cases documented in 2022. The figures, obtained by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) through freedom of information requests, reveal a disturbing trend that union leaders say reflects a broader societal emboldening of extreme views. The RCN warns the true scale of abuse may be far higher, given the reluctance of many staff to report incidents and the inconsistent recording practices across NHS trusts.
Examples of the abuse range from verbal slurs—including a colleague calling a nurse a “monkey” and patients using the N-word—to physical attacks, such as a nurse being punched in the eye and racially abused. In other cases, patients’ families explicitly rejected care from Black nurses, while a colleague shouted, “We don’t have people of your colour here.” Islamophobic incidents were also reported, including abuse directed at a nurse observing Ramadan while on duty.
Prof Nicola Ranger, the RCN’s general secretary and chief executive, described the rise as “catastrophic,” blaming the normalization of extreme views in politics and media for creating an environment where perpetrators feel emboldened. “Those who hold these views have become more emboldened in recent times,” she said, adding that the figures only scratch the surface of a deeper problem.
The RCN’s data also show a 70% increase in calls to its advice line from nurses of ethnic minority backgrounds seeking support after experiencing racial abuse or discrimination between 2022 and 2025. Meanwhile, dozens of NHS organizations either failed to track racist incidents or provided figures the RCN deemed “implausibly low,” raising concerns about systemic failures to protect staff.
Dean Royles, interim chief executive of NHS Employers, called the abuse “an outrage,” emphasizing that care providers are committed to tackling racism, including antisemitism and Islamophobia. However, he acknowledged that many trusts are struggling to address the issue effectively. NHS bosses have signaled plans to introduce a national reporting system to monitor abuse more consistently, though the specifics remain unclear.
Duncan Burton, NHS England’s chief nursing officer, reiterated that racism in the NHS is “totally unacceptable” and urged staff to report incidents so action—including police involvement—can be taken. He stressed the importance of ensuring staff feel safe to speak up and that concerns are addressed through disciplinary reviews and psychological support.
The RCN’s findings align with warnings from senior figures in the health service. Kate Jarman, director of corporate affairs at Milton Keynes University Hospital Trust, recently described a “rising tide of racism” making parts of the NHS unsafe for staff. Former health secretary Wes Streeting had earlier drawn parallels to the “ugly” racism of the 1970s and 1980s, suggesting the issue has resurfaced with renewed intensity.
Some NHS staff working in community settings in England have reportedly described certain areas as “no-go zones” due to the display of far-right symbols, further complicating efforts to provide equitable care.
Frequently Asked Questions
[What types of racist abuse have been reported by NHS nurses?]
Incidents include verbal slurs such as being called the N-word or a “monkey,” physical attacks like being punched, and explicit refusals of care based on race. Islamophobic abuse has also been documented, including against nurses observing religious practices during shifts.
[Why do the reported figures likely underrepresent the true scale of the problem?]
The RCN states that poor recording practices across NHS trusts and staff reluctance to report abuse mean the 6,812 incidents recorded last year are only “the tip of the iceberg.” Many organizations either did not track such incidents or provided figures deemed implausibly low.
[What steps is the NHS taking to address the issue?]
NHS bosses have indicated plans to introduce a national reporting system to monitor racist incidents more consistently. They have also emphasized a zero-tolerance approach, including potential police involvement and criminal prosecution for perpetrators. Support for victims, such as psychological assistance and protection, is also part of the response.
With the NHS facing unprecedented demands, how can the system ensure all staff—regardless of background—feel safe and supported in their workplaces?
Worth a look