Campaign to tackle racist abuse of Jersey hospital staff

Wednesday, 8 May 2024 11:00

Health and Community Services are doing more to help patients and staff tackle racism in a new campaign.

The anti-racism campaign has been brought by HCS' diversity and inclusion lead, Washington Gwatidzo, who wants to see the department calling out hate or discrimination.

Leaflets have been put at all Health and Community Services' buildings, to promote the initiative.

The idea is to make Jersey more accepting and safer for people of colour, whether staff or patients.

Washington Gwatidzo says racism is hurtful and in the 12 years he's worked for HCS he has experienced it multiple times.

"I work with quite a number of colleagues who have also experienced racism within the organisation.

"I think (we have) really struggled around what our position is as an organisation and how we can reduce incidents of racism.

"Experiencing racism from anyone can have an impact on their self-confidence, their self-worth and have an impact on their ability to do their job.

"We stand against racism and celebrate a diverse workforce. Racism towards anyone has a negative influence on the quality of care we are able to deliver."

The campaign also reminds islanders that racism is a crime.

Health and Community Services has committed to helping staff that experience discrimination and hate crimes report it to the police.