@itvnews: An NHS doctor has recalled how he was called a leech and had patients refuse treatment from him - as a new survey finds a rise in racism across the health service. Paul Awah, a diagnostic radiographer originally from Nigeria, said people had also claimed not to understand him, even though English was his first language. It comes as a new poll of his NHS colleagues by The Society of Radiographers (SoR) revealed a rise in racism across the service. Staff reported a “noticeable” rise in racism from patients over the last 18 months, including patients calling staff “dirty foreigners” and talking about “people coming over here, taking our jobs”. #nhs #racism

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Region: GB
Wednesday 05 August 2026 10:17:44 GMT
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susannepearce
Sus :
Racism is always wrong. I’m so sorry you’ve gone through it. But one other side is unfortunately some of the elder generation do struggle with hearing and accents. I care for my parents, my dad wouldnt be able to understand this gentleman. But He would try really hard tho. Theres no way he’d be rude to anyone. And I honestly don’t mean any offence to anyone. But we’ve had it with many healthcare professionals from all over the world, My dad was in intensive care earlier this year. the whole staff team were fantastic but he really honestly couldn’t make out what some of the staff said to him, He’s 80 going deaf, in heart failure. He was incredibly embarrassed and said in the end I just say yes because I’m so embarrassed to ask another time sorry what did you say?
2026-08-05 18:16:11
1
fernandasoaresva
Fernanda Soares :
In Brazil, racism is a crime. The rest of the world should follow that example.
2026-08-05 11:46:10
1007
emeka9396
Emeka :
If they refuse care, move to the next patient.
2026-08-05 11:19:10
595
musas0007
Saleema7 :
the far right, media is responsible for this,
2026-08-05 11:13:44
245
sheedatalli2022
𝕄𝕀ℕ𝔻-ℝ𝔼𝔸𝔻𝔼ℝ :
He is a DOCTOR!! Treating you racist lot!!! Have some respect!!
2026-08-05 11:55:41
303
taybealock
taybealock :
The best doctors I’ve ever seen in the uk have been foreign
2026-08-05 11:24:00
435
maureen.chapman2
MAUREEN CHAPMAN :
Nigel farage and his crew caused all this.
2026-08-05 13:07:46
110
simplebeings
🍉 :
Anyone who is racist to NHS staff should be refused medical treatment indefinitely
2026-08-05 10:48:45
2375
tessa.pasquariell
tessa pasquariello :
you have alovly acent deep and rich.
2026-08-05 18:30:08
2
starshine2980
starshine :
Then they will wait longer to be treated. Its not private care.
2026-08-05 18:30:06
2
oj9027
O :
NHS should blacklist anyone whos racist
2026-08-05 10:31:36
1886
hana_riaz
hana_riaz :
My mum was a consultant in the nhs and top in her speciality. She would consistently get patients who refused to be treated by a ‘p*ki’ and would face harassment 15/20 years ago.
2026-08-05 18:14:16
3
freesj6
. :
Who hates racism—————————->
2026-08-05 10:23:16
496
astra0233
Eve :
Nigel Farage and Tommy has created a Division lately and its getting worse..
2026-08-05 18:30:03
5
joeyparkin01
Joey Parkin :
As a registered nurse, working with many immigrants, the NHS couldn’t function without them. They’re kind, beautiful souls.
2026-08-05 11:13:49
104
ohemaa.one1
Ohemaa :
My people, do not let these things bother. If they refuse so be it. You would still get paid so what’s your problem.
2026-08-05 17:43:10
1
bigjay1012
bigjay1012🇨🇴🇨🇴🇸🇱🇸🇱 :
Bro move to Colombia ,just learn Spanish ,you will have a better life.why put up with this ,sometimes in life we have to make choices,I did,we need to have the courage to move on .Go where you valued,this only gonna get worse it won’t get better .As long as you have an accent they choose not to understand you.Regardless of money I won’t work in such environment ,I won’t allow anyone to determine the outcome of my day.
2026-08-05 11:32:48
4
andrewhardmanactor
Andrew Hardman :
It’s easy to blame racism for everything, while ignoring real life altering problems within the NHS.
2026-08-05 10:59:32
40
knn885
KNN :
what did he say, I cant understand him
2026-08-05 10:56:48
6
thomasrobinson9511
Tommy t-dog :
can't understand a word he says....that's my problem 👍
2026-08-05 11:07:01
5
blackedoutsv09
Ross :
It was never this bad before reform!!!
2026-08-05 10:25:14
452
innerthoughtsuk
Adrian Raj :
Simple, when a patient is being racist, kick them out of the hospital….
2026-08-05 10:46:34
387
christmasbaby1983
MimiBlessed83MLK🇨🇩🇬🇧 :
Sorry if they disrespect me; I'm not helping them. I don't care sack me
2026-08-05 10:50:08
164
myelbaby
🌺🇱🇨 Siwo Myèl 🇱🇨🌺 :
Also, speak about the institutional racism within the NHS. Don’t leave that part out either. It’s even worse than the racism received from patients.
2026-08-05 11:02:56
94
katy2kitties
Katy 🇬🇧 :
I find my Nigerian(male) doctor a lot more attentive and caring than the other doctors so specifically ask for him each time I visit
2026-08-05 11:05:15
284
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