Open statement to healthcare providers from the NHS Race and Health Observatory, Nursing and Midwifery Council, General Medical Council, and the Care Quality Commission

Today the NHS Race and Health Observatory, supported by three regulators including the Nursing and Midwifery Council, has called on healthcare leaders to ensure that policies and processes are fair, inclusive and in line with the 2010 Equality Act.

Andrea Sutcliffe CBE, Chief Executive and Registrar, Nursing and Midwifery Council, said:

"At the Nursing and Midwifery Council, we strongly believe there's no place for racism in health and care, and as the regulator of almost 732,000 nursing and midwifery professionals, the NMC stands firmly together with our partners in being committed to tackling institutional discrimination in all its forms.

"The impact that racist and other discriminatory attitudes and behaviours has on people is devastating. That's why the values of equality, diversity and human rights - that are fundamental in the delivery of person-centred care for everyone - are enshrined in our Code and professional standards. It's also why we will always listen and ensure appropriate action is taken when concerns about someone's fitness to practise are raised with us.

"We're also determined to play our own significant part in becoming a better and fairer regulator by continuing with the second phase of our research into the differences experienced in referral rates of Black and minority ethnic nurses, midwives and nursing associates. We're committed to rooting out and addressing any unfairness in our own processes.

"It's clear there's a long road ahead. But it's the responsibility of all of us to create safe, inclusive and supportive working environments and stamp out racism and any other discrimination when we see it.

"Working together, we must and we will do more."

Read the full open statement on the NHS Race and Health Observatory website.

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