Individuals who display racist behavior towards NHS personnel can and should be denied service, as stated by the health secretary.
Wes Streeting denounced the “senseless violence” witnessed across the country following the recent Southport stabbings.
Amid escalating far-right attacks in various locations, Filipino nurses were assaulted on Friday night while commuting to provide emergency coverage during the unrest in Sunderland.
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Mr. Streeting, in an interview with the PA news agency, expressed that those who attacked the nurses have “brought significant shame upon our nation”.
Reportedly, the taxi they were traveling in was targeted with rocks, leaving them “frightened,” as per the Mirror, though they were physically unharmed.
“I will not tolerate, in any circumstance, the harassment, intimidation, or racial abuse of NHS or social care staff in any medical or caregiving environment,” declared Mr. Streeting.
“In the NHS, we maintain a strict policy of zero tolerance, and we will adopt a similar approach in social care as well.
“Individuals who mistreat NHS staff can be refused service, and it is appropriate for them to be turned away if they choose to treat our staff in such a manner.”
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Treatment of staff during a week of unrest
He further emphasized the nation’s gratitude for the NHS professionals who “travel from various corners of the globe to deliver exceptional, compassionate care”.
“I am proud that we have such individuals in the UK. I believe the majority of Britons share this sentiment,” he remarked.
“Those who have tarnished our flag with their senseless, racist violence – they have no understanding of the history or heritage of our nation and have brought immense disgrace by targeting NHS staff in this manner.”
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Professor Nicola Ranger, the general secretary and chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, highlighted the updated guidelines on when and how care can be refused to patients.
This development follows a caution to general practitioners by GP leaders regarding reports of staff being “targeted” in attacks.
Family doctors and their teams have been advised to “remain alert, especially while commuting to and from work”.
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The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) raised concerns regarding the “horrific and unacceptable” mistreatment and violence directed at healthcare professionals, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.
They advised staff to travel together “where feasible” and to avoid areas known for unrest.
Additionally, two GP clinics in northeast London have decided to close early on Wednesday due to potential disturbances in the vicinity.
