NHS staff need to “build a broad movement to oppose the influence of racism and the far right,” doctors and other health workers say.
In an open letter published in The BMJ a group of healthcare staff, including GPs and resident doctors, warned that a “wave of racism” was affecting patients and staff as far right groups “build their influence across the UK.”1
Healthworkers Against the Far Right was formed in the wake of a far right rally in London earlier this year. Here members of the group are pictured at a march last month
The letter also warned that the far right’s actions were being “enabled” by the statements and actions of politicians on immigration.
Consultant psychiatrist Alistair Stewart, who organised the open letter, said the NHS was in a “unique and influential position” to oppose racism because of its diverse workforce and the respect it commands.
Signatory Helen Salisbury, a GP in Oxfordshire and BMJ columnist, said that racism was being “dressed up” by some media outlets and politicians as a “legitimate concern,” leading to harm to patients and doctors.
“For many years you have …
