We must speak out against rise of racism towards Yorkshire NHS staff: Yorkshire Post Letters

I couldn’t agree more with Dr Qari Asim that “British Muslims are being sent a chilling message: you are fair game for hatred”. (The Yorkshire Post, May 23)

As a public governor of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust I have equally seen hate for non-whites. I've had barbs via social media saying that I ‘favour immigrants over white British staff’ working at NHS hospitals. I shake my head in disbelief when people, complain that they would rather not have their bloods taken by a “woman wearing a hijab” or that they don’t want a “black female surgeon operating on them”.

Most of the staff I meet in Airedale Hospital are British nationals whatever the colour of their skin or race.

My life was saved after a stroke at Bradford Royal Infirmary in 2019 and I was restored back to health at Airedale Hospital. My stroke consultant was from Pakistan. The ward sister on Stroke Ward 5 at Airedale Hospital and occupational therapist were of South East Asian heritage. They put me back together again so I could stand, walk, feed and wash myself.

When I was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in 2024 the consultant oncologist assigned to me at Airedale was from India. He is one of the most lovely, experienced and compassionate consultants I have known.

Those who nursed me through chemotherapy and beyond were from Africa, Asia, Caribbean and the Middle East.

A significant number of NHS staff are from outside Europe and there would be no NHS if we did not have them on board.

A few days ago I made a plea on social media to have more Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority and young people as governors if we are truly to represent the communities we serve.

One response took me aback. “The country is changing and when these people come to power then the real change will come. There will be loud speakers calling to prayer across most cities in the UK. There will be laws passed so you can’t criticise Islam without having your door kicked down….and many other thing that will negatively impact your family.”

In response I said “I am sorry you have a problem with the Islamic faith. You are perhaps unaware that people of Islamic faith place an emphasis on helping all people regardless of culture, race, or religion. Their faith is driven by the core principles of compassion, social justice, and the belief in a single, shared humanity. That's a good thing, isn't it?”

It was met by another racist outburst and I responded that “our society has seen immigration for thousands of years, well before the Romans invaded Britannia.

They settled here from 55 BC bringing with them people from across the Roman Empire, including Continental Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.” I heard nothing more from the individual but it does make me sad and worried. Education is the answer and so is the fact that white people like me should stand up and be counted and speak out against any form of racism.

As the saying goes, once you’ve visited Yorkshire, you feel like a part of it forever. Surely that should go for everyone irrespective of race, colour of skin, religion or heritage?