On Monday 13 December 2021, the BMJ published an article on how to address racist parents and carers in a paediatric setting led by Zeshan Qureshi, paediatric registrar, Mehrunisha Suleman, director of medical ethics and law education, Alexandra Richards, medical student, Julian Sheather, medical ethicist, Hugh Bishop, consultant paediatric oncologist.
In response Dr Camilla Kingdon, President of the RCPCH said:
Racist behaviour of any kind in the workplace is unacceptable - no one should have to put up with it. I am saddened to read that doctors from ethnic minority backgrounds are facing racist abuse from parents and carers as they deliver care for their patients. This cannot be tolerated and there must be no place for it in the NHS. The article shows us that bold action is needed, and it is welcome to see the research and key recommendations presented on how real change can be achieved.
As a College we will reflect on the recommendations and look to see what more we and other organisations can do to take forward the steps needed to make a difference. We want to make sure that paediatricians are supported and have the resources needed to deal with these difficult situations.