EXCLUSIVE: Swindon nurse speaks-out about 'increase' of racism at Great Western Hospital
But Alicia Messiah says some victims are "in fear" of reporting discrimination
Last updated 30th Nov 2021
A nurse at the Great Western Hospital (GWH) in Swindon has revealed that some staff members are being racially abused by colleagues in the workplace.
Alicia Messiah, who leads the Hospital's Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff Network, has spoken exclusively to Greatest Hits Radio.
Last year, Alicia told us she had received a shocking racial slur from a GWH colleague. The Community Team Leader has now shared the experiences of other employees.
'There is something wrong with what you're saying'
Alicia says some victims feel empowered to report incidents of racism, but others are intimidated by the perpetrators, who in some cases are popular and powerful colleagues.
"We have seen an increase in staff reporting any racism and derogatory terms and not being treated as equal. But, at the same time, we're still hearing that staff don't want to speak about it because they are in fear of losing their position, their staff status within the Trust.
"There are a lot of people who know lots of people ... word gets around and that person's name has a stigma attached.
"People, on one hand, are still fearful. But, on the other hand, I think people are taking that control and saying: 'No, there is something wrong with what you're saying, I am going to take this further,'" she said.
'We need to call it out'
Great Western's BAME Staff Network aims to address racial inequalities across the Trust. The group has pledged to challenge any stereotypes or discrimination towards workers and patients.
When asked whether she was aware of all racism that exists at GWH, Alicia said: "I hear some of them (racism incidents) ... there is still a lot going on in the Trust.
"It's not nice to hear, because you really do think to yourself: 'Are people still saying this?' And it is really hurtful, but at the same time we need to call it out.
"We need to show the staff within the Trust and the powers that be, the leadership of this Trust, that it's not acceptable," she added.
'We take allegations of racism extremely seriously'
Despite the ongoing racism that exists at GWH, Alicia has praised the Hospital's current leaders for their desire to tackle the issue. She describes its Chief Executive, Kevin McNamara, as "very supportive" of the work carried out by the BAME Staff Network.
Mr McNamara has told Greatest Hits Radio that Alicia is "vital" to the Trust tackling racism, adding that GWH wants to be a "truly inclusive workplace" and "take concrete steps to support staff from every ethnicity".
"We take allegations of racism extremely seriously including dismissing staff for racism where allegations are found to be true as well as measures to better support staff.
"I know this is a bigger issue than just our Trust, the NHS is a reflection of the society in which we live and the racism that sadly many people suffer in their day to day lives.
"It’s on us all to challenge it in our lives and as CEO of this Trust I’m absolutely committed to challenging and addressing racism and all forms of discrimination at every turn so that every has the chance to the be best they can be and do their best for patients," he added.
Earlier this month, Alicia was recognised by GWH, for her efforts around diversity and inclusion: