The Pharmacy Defence Association (PDA) has come out in support of the issues raised by the national Social Partnership Forum (SPF) regarding an increase in abuse and harassment of NHS staff from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.
Helga Pile and Danny Mortimer, the staff side and employer side co-chairs of the SPF, said, “In the context of the increasing racial hostility currently being witnessed in our communities and the rising levels of abuse and harassment experienced by NHS staff, we commit to working in partnership to stand against hatred and discrimination, and value and celebrate the rich diversity of our staff and the wider population.
“Hard-working staff from the UK and across the world form the backbone of the NHS, and their safety and well-being are essential to the running of the health service.
“We encourage regional and local partnership forums to focus on how best to help and protect staff through this period, to provide a safe working environment for all.”
The PDA is a member of the NHS Social Partnership Forum and supports this statement, also condemning any racist abuse or harassment.
Staff side members of the SPF have also reissued guidance on supporting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) members at work. This document was first published in response to the unrest in 2024.
PDA BAME Network vice president Ewura-Adjoa Yamoah added, “I stand with colleagues across the NHS in condemning racist abuse and harassment. Our healthcare system thrives on diversity, and protecting staff from discrimination is not just about fairness – it’s about ensuring a safe and supportive environment where every professional can deliver the best care to patients.”
While the statements and guidance above are specifically related to NHS employers, the principles and some of the resources referenced in the document may also be of use to other employers.
