Statement in response to new Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) report on NHS temporary workforce and patient safety

Responding to today’s HSSIB investigation report which highlights how discrimination is preventing NHS temporary workers speaking up about safety concerns, Professor Habib Naqvi, chief executive of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, said:

“Black and ethnic minority clinical staff, irrespective of their working status, must feel confident about speaking up and disclosing information that can prevent avoidable incidents, and be assured that their concerns will be listened to and acted upon. The healthcare system must take this opportunity to learn important lessons from the investigations highlighted in this report so that optimal care is provided for patients, and staff do not fear the prospect of being discriminated against for voicing concerns through official channels.

“Urgent action is needed now to tackle the unacceptable levels of racism, bias and discrimination at work experienced by temporary employees from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. We know that an engaged and fully supported workforce leads to compassionate workplaces, organisational efficiencies and, critically, better outcomes for all patients.

“As the biggest employer of Black and ethnic minority staff in Europe, the NHS must implement evidence-based, anti-racism approaches that empower leadership and enhance data-driven accountability for tackling the root causes of these inequalities. The Observatory is committed to supporting the NHS in improving the experiences and opportunities for its Black and ethnic minority workforce.”

The report, published 5 September 2024, can be found here