The Silent Threat -The Dangers Faced by Black Nursing and Midwifery Staff in Healthcare including the NHS

Racism within healthcare settings not only affects morale and career progression but can also pose real risks to the well-being and professional lives of Black nurses and midwives. 

Black nursing and midwifery staff often find themselves isolated or excluded from professional networks and peer groups, which are crucial for career development and emotional support in high-stress environments like healthcare. 

Black Nurses are often isolated and excluded

Studies have shown that Black healthcare professionals are more likely to face harsher disciplinary actions compared to their white counterparts for similar offences or misunderstandings. This bias in disciplinary actions can stall or even end careers unjustly.

Constant exposure to discriminatory practices, othering, profiling, targeting and microaggressions takes a significant toll on the mental health of Black nurses, midwives and Support workers. Black nurses, midwives and support workers are at a higher risk of developing stress-related illnesses, which can affect their ability to work and their overall quality of life.

In some cases, Black nurses and midwives feel unsafe advocating for themselves or their patients out of fear of being labelled as problematic or non-compliant with hospital policies. This fear can prevent them from speaking out against unsafe practices or advocating for themselves, potentially endangering patients and themselves.

Racial bias also affects the way patients and their families perceive Black nurses and midwives. There have been instances where Black nurses and midwives were unfairly criticised or refused by patients due to their race, impacting the nurse's ability to provide care and their professional reputation.

Let's consider the case of Kezi, a Black midwife working in a large hospital. Kezi noticed a pattern in which her colleagues often questioned or overlooked her recommendations for patient care, whereas similar suggestions from her white colleagues were readily accepted. One day, a critical situation arose with a Black pregnant mum who was showing signs of sepsis. Kezi immediately recommended aggressive treatment, but her team hesitated, questioning her judgment. Kezi’s suggestions were ignored and overlooked.

Black nurses suggestions are often ignored

The delay in treatment resulted in the pregnant mums condition worsening before the recommended interventions were finally implemented. Kezi did not receive an apology or any feedback. 

This incident not only shows the direct impact of racial bias on patient care but also highlights the emotional and professional toll on Kezi. She felt undermined and doubted, which affected her confidence and trust in her team. Over time, these experiences lead to burnout and a sense of helplessness, further exacerbating the challenges faced by Black nurses and midwives.

Consider the case of Olutunji, a Black nurse in an emergency department. One busy night, he administered a slightly higher dosage of pain medication to a patient suffering from acute pain based on his clinical judgment and previous experience. The patient experienced no adverse effects and reported relief from the excruciating pain. However, a white colleague (Dave), who was covertly watching Olutunji, reported him to management for deviating from standard protocol. Meanwhile, a similar incident occurred with white nurse Emily, who made a comparable judgment call under similar circumstances. Dave (the same white colleague) noticed Emily's action but overlooked her action without any report or reprimand. Management referred Olutunji to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for professional misconduct, citing the deviation from the protocol as a serious lapse in judgment. The NMC referral made by the employer highlighted a hypothetical risk to the patient as a result of Olutunji’s decision making. 

The clinical judgement of a Black nurse is often challenged

Olutunji had to prepare for an NMC fitness-to-practice process that jeopardised his NMC PIN and career, despite his intentions to provide the best care possible and the lack of harm to the patient. 

Dave judged Olutunji on his personal bias, believing that Black nurses cannot use their judgement but must follow policy without deviations instead. 

These examples illustrate not only the differential treatment between Black and white nurses and midwives in similar situations but also highlight how quickly actions by Black professionals can escalate to formal disciplinary actions, impacting their careers disproportionately. Both cases raise significant concerns about bias in the enforcement of rules and the subjective interpretation of "misconduct," particularly as it pertains to minority staff members.

To mitigate these dangers, healthcare institutions must implement comprehensive training programs focused on anti-Black racism, equity, and inclusion. 

These programs should not only address biases but also create pathways for Black nurses, midwives and support workers to report discrimination safely and without fear of retaliation. Those who perpetuate racial hatred disguised as safeguarding must also be held to account. Establishing mentorship programs via Equality 4 Black Nurses, which support Black healthcare staff and promote their professional growth, can help reduce isolation and build more inclusive workplace cultures.

By actively working with Equality 4 Black nurses to dismantle the systemic racism within healthcare, we can ensure that Black nursing and midwifery staff are supported, valued, and safe in their professional environments, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

If any of the scenarios or issues discussed in this blog resonate with you or if you're experiencing similar challenges in your healthcare environment, it's important to know that you are not alone. Equality 4 Black Nurses (E4BN) is an organisation dedicated to supporting Black nursing and midwifery staff who face racial discrimination, bias, and unequal treatment in the workplace.

We strongly encourage you to reach out to E4BN for support, guidance, and advocacy if you are encountering any form of racial injustice. 

Our email address is matron@equality4blacknurses.com Phone 020 8050 2598

E4BN offers resources, advice, and a supportive community to help you navigate these challenges and work towards a fairer and more inclusive healthcare system.

For more information or to get in touch, please visit the E4BN website or contact them directly through their support hotline or email. Your experiences matter, and you deserve a workplace that respects and values your contributions without bias or discrimination.