'You're not like us': Health workers across Greater Manchester are facing horrific racial abuse

Health and care workers in Greater Manchester are increasingly facing racist abuse, threats, and violence while performing their duties. A mental health nurse was subjected to racist insults during a routine medication round, and a community nurse was targeted on public transport due to her accent and appearance, with the attacker declaring, 'You're not like us.' Pharmacy workers report physical assaults, including strangulation, punching, and weapon threats, alongside racial intimidation. The Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership (GM ICP) launched the 'No Space for Racism' campaign to address these issues, revealing that approximately one in four health and care staff in the region experienced racism at work in the past year. Claudette Elliot, Chair of Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, emphasized that such incidents have lasting psychological effects on staff, impacting their confidence and ability to deliver care effectively. A video campaign features healthcare workers—including a Stockport surgeon, a Bolton eye doctor, and a Manchester GP—who have personally faced racism. Elliot noted that discriminatory behaviors are rising globally and affecting healthcare workers beyond clinical settings. She stressed that Greater Manchester values diversity but is seeing increased intolerance due to global unrest, which is now manifesting in the region’s healthcare system. The campaign aims to raise public awareness and support for staff, urging communities to stand against racism. One incident involved a patient shouting racist slurs at a nurse during a medication round, escalating into threats before the situation was de-escalated. Another nurse faced persistent abuse on public transport while en route to a home visit, further illustrating the pervasive nature of the problem. Elliot highlighted the broader societal impact, stating that racism affects staff across all healthcare roles, from nurses and paramedics to care home workers. The campaign seeks to foster solidarity and address the issue collectively, ensuring that healthcare workers can perform their jobs without fear of discrimination.