The British Medical Association has today (Wednesday 15 June) published a report which finds that doctors of ethnic minority backgrounds face persistent and intolerable levels of racism.
Commenting on this, John Holden, Chief Medical Officer at MDDUS, said:
"The findings of this investigation are extremely concerning. Sadly, they reflect what MDDUS members have told us about their experiences of the last two years of the pandemic.
“Earlier this year we surveyed almost 2,000 of our members and found that four out of five GPs of an Asian background who responded had faced an increase in verbal abuse or aggression from their patients.
“It’s deeply worrying that many of these GPs are considering early retirement or leaving the profession altogether.
“No one should have to go to work fearing racism. Doctors who worked at the frontline of the pandemic, putting their health and their families’ health at risk in doing so, deserve workplaces with a zero tolerance of racism.”
Commenting on this, John Holden, Chief Medical Officer at MDDUS, said:
"The findings of this investigation are extremely concerning. Sadly, they reflect what MDDUS members have told us about their experiences of the last two years of the pandemic.
“Earlier this year we surveyed almost 2,000 of our members and found that four out of five GPs of an Asian background who responded had faced an increase in verbal abuse or aggression from their patients.
“It’s deeply worrying that many of these GPs are considering early retirement or leaving the profession altogether.
“No one should have to go to work fearing racism. Doctors who worked at the frontline of the pandemic, putting their health and their families’ health at risk in doing so, deserve workplaces with a zero tolerance of racism.”
ENDS
The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) is a mutual organisation that protects the professional interests of more than 54,000 doctors and dentists across the United Kingdom, offering access to indemnity, support and legal advice.
For further information please contact Alison Hardie, head of public affairs and strategic communications, on ahardie@mddus.com or on 07501 421398.
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.