Time to stop abuse of staff as George Eliot hospital launches new campaign

STARK warnings have been issued to people who racially abuse and assault night shift workers at Nuneaton’s hospital.

Russell Hardy, chairman of the board at the George Eliot Hospital, said that they had been made aware that more staff at night were suffering abuse, including racist abuse and violence.

He issued a message to those behind the unacceptable behaviour, saying: “We are particularly aware of the racism towards some of our staff on the night shifts.

“I would like to thank our colleagues who work the night shift and have to put up with abuse from patients who frankly should know better.”

The issue about abuse was discussed after the hospital’s chief executive Glen Burley issued a statement saying they ‘will not pander to racists.”

He said he felt compelled to make the clear stance following incidents of racism towards staff, but also England team members Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and

Bukayo Saka following the loss to Italy in the final of Euro 2020.

Speaking at a hospital board meeting, the chief executive said: “We will always treat people in an emergency situation, but patients who decline treatment from our BAME staff are declining treatment from us. Victims can feel incredibly stressed, we want to encourage our general workforce to speak out, particularly non BAME colleagues. Calling this out. encouraging staff to report incidents and I hope that this is something we can really take a stand on.

“There is also a creeping issue on violence and aggression towards our staff, it is totally unacceptable and we will be dealing with that also.”

Mr Hardy echoed these comments, saying: “I would like to reinforce the point Glen made about our total abhorrence and zero tolerance of racism.

“We are proud to be an anchor institution for our community, we are proud to serve all members of our community and I am immensely proud of the diversity of all of our colleagues.

“As employers, we are only interested in your character and competence, everything else, sexual orientation, any disability, any background, any challenges you face in life, if you have the right competence, we will welcome you with open arms

“We will not tolerate any racism towards our staff.”

Special posts have been put up around the hospital to help hit the message home about speaking about racism.