Warwickshire hospitals toughen stance on abusive behaviour
George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust have reinforced their zero tolerance stance on racism, discrimination and violent behaviours through a joint campaign backed by Warwickshire Police.
The campaign, which highlights that incidences will be reported to Warwickshire Police and could result in treatment being withdrawn, was rolled out across the trusts’ sites and on their social media channels at the start of this month. This was after extensive discussions with the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and other trust Networks about the design concept and campaign wording.
The poster has the backing of staff at all levels including both organisations’ CEO, Glen Burley, who in July felt compelled to issue a statement via the trust social media accounts following incidences of racism towards his staff, prompted by media attention of the racial abuse of England football players. His statement reiterated that neither Trust will stand for discriminatory language or violent behaviours being shown to anyone and action will be taken against anyone who perpetrates such abuse.
George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust’s CEO, Glen Burley, said: “Our staff have the right to be treated with dignity and respect as they care for you, just like they show you dignity and respect throughout your care. Neither I nor anyone working within our Trusts will tolerate discriminatory language or abusive or violent behaviours, whether this be from a patient or their friends or family aimed at either a member of staff or a patient. We will be working with Warwickshire Police to ensure any incidences are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken."
Spokesperson for South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust's BAME Network said: "Our BAME Network is regularly made aware of examples of racism, discrimination, abuse and violence experienced by our staff on a daily basis. There are many different types of discrimination and many examples of microaggression. Sometimes discrimination is subtle and can be a result of communicating an incorrect assumption, a perceived stereotype or believing people should take inappropriate comments as harmless banter. Therefore, we all have a responsibility to educate ourselves on what is discriminatory and what microaggression is and to challenge and report this type of behaviour.
"Our Trust is absolutely committed to eliminating racism, discrimination, abuse and violence and our BAME network will assist staff to report incidences to ensure appropriate action is taken against the perpetrators."
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