Statement in response to Government announcement on plans to tackle antisemitism and racism in the NHS

Responding to the government’s new measures outlined to tackle antisemitism and racism across government and the NHS, Professor Habib Naqvi, chief executive of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, said:

“Tackling antisemitism, islamophobia and racism involve clear communication of a zero-tolerance stance, implementing systemic changes, and creating a supportive environment for all employees. That’s why we fully support the persistent focus on tackling racism across society and within the NHS, and we’re clear – action to tackle racism and discrimination must be data-driven and evidence-based. To support this approach, we’ve developed the Observatory’s ‘7 Principles of Anti-Racism’, which are now being adopted by national and local organisations across the healthcare system. Our diverse workforce is the backbone of the NHS. It must be cared for, celebrated and respected for the outstanding care that it provides. At the same time, our patients, colleagues and communities need to be treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve. No one should be subjected to discrimination or abuse of any kind, within or outside of the workplace.”

In September, Professor Habib Naqvi also spoke alongside Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive of the CQC and Charlie Massey, chief executive of the GMC on the NewCross Healthcare  Voices of Care podcast,  joining forces with regulators to call out unacceptable levels of racism still faced by the NHS workforce, arguing that everyone in the sector must take personal and collective responsibility to stamp it out.