United we stand
It has truly pained me to see the recent deplorable violence on our streets and the devastating impact this has had on our communities and on so many of my KCHFT colleagues.
We are a diverse trust. I work alongside colleagues of many races, religions and backgrounds. This is what makes us great. We are one NHS family and we will stand united against discrimination in all its forms.
That is why we have never, do not, and will never tolerate any form of racism, abuse, Islamophobia or discrimination.
And at times like this, it is even more important to make sure that everyone – our patients and our staff – feel safe, no matter who they are or where they are from.
We work in the community, showing kindness and compassion to everyone and anyone who needs our help, whatever their circumstances or background. The vast majority of our patients, carers and services users are similarly kind, compassionate, tolerant and respectful people.
However, if one of our team or our patients is harassed or bullied by someone expressing racist or abusive views, we will take action. We take a zero-tolerance stance against racism towards our patients or colleagues, whatever form that takes, even if it means taking difficult or uncomfortable decisions.
If that means taking action against a fellow colleague, we will.
If that means withdrawing care or turning away a patient, because they are racially abusive to one of our team, we will. Our dedication to duty should not leave people feeling afraid and unwelcome in this country. We are working on strengthening our policies to make sure we can act swiftly and proportionately.
In response to the civil unrest, we have seen communities across the country come together in counter demonstrations to show solidarity with one another against those who are determined to spread division and hate.
We know that some of our patients, carers, families and communities have been affected by these events, which have taken place across the country UK, as well as our staff and their families.
To you all – my colleagues in #TeamKCHFT, the wider NHS and to people from black, Asian and ethnic minority communities, you are welcome and valued. Please don’t let these riots make you think otherwise.
Diversity and inclusion is what makes our NHS the great institution it is. It’s what makes our world rich. These colleagues and communities are part of our history, our present and our future.
We will stand against racism in all its form and we will stand together as Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Mairead
