Health workers face rising levels of racism

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation employs staff from 72 different countries

Staff at an NHS trust are dealing with an "increasing amount of racial discrimination", according to one hospital boss.

More than 13% of staff working at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation (NCIC) are from an ethnic minority background - with 72 countries represented - but some employees have been subject to "aggression or sometimes even physical violence".

Acting Chief Executive Trudie Davies said it was "very sad and upsetting" to learn hospital staff had experienced racism while at work and in the community, adding they "deserve to be treated with respect and kindness".

"At NCIC we will not tolerate racism, violence or aggression of any sort," she said.

"We are encouraging colleagues to report verbal and physical aggression, and we will do everything we can to support them where they experience it."

The trust has created a series of posters featuring close-up images of local staff to remind people to treat health care professionals with kindness and respect.

Ms Davies said the Human campaign posters were intended to demonstrate how every member of staff has their own personal lives, responsibilities and vulnerabilities.

Trudie Davies said racial discrimination can impact the health of staff

"When our staff face aggression, or sometimes even physical violence, it can have a serious impact on their shift, their day, their wellbeing and, ultimately, their ability to provide high-quality care," said Ms Davies.

"This can sometimes result in instances where staff are then absent from work and have a much longer-term impact on their health.

"NHS staff are here to help you, and they deserve to be treated with respect and kindness."