Harrogate NHS boss says racism "getting worse"
Steve Russell's opened up, after being shouted at in the street after England's win over Germany at the Euros
The boss of Harrogate District Hospital's NHS Trust says racism is "getting worse" and happens more than people think.
Steve Russell has spoken out, after a woman shouted abuse at him in the street, following England's win over Germany at Euro 2020.
He says more needs to be done to tackle racism, even if people don't want to talk about it.
Chief Executive at Harrogate District NHS Foundation Trust, Steve told us: "Being a good ally is about calling it out. It's all of our responsibility to try and solve the problem. It's not people who face the behaviour, it's not their job to solve it, because the problem exists somewhere else.
"People feel a bit more emboldened and enabled to behave in that way. Every single one of us as a member of society, but also those of us who lead organisations, have important responsibilities to lead our organisations in a way that is very clearly promoting kindness, respect, equality and fairness."
Last year, Steve posted a video message online, expressing the importance of equality within the NHS Trust:
Steve also told us other staff continue to receive racist abuse, adding: "I think we have a right to expect that people receiving our care and those around them treat people giving that care in the same way. We have a right and responsibility to point out where that doesn't happen to protect our colleagues."