Our Kindness campaign features staff speaking out and sharing their experiences. The stories celebrate the diversity of our workforce and encourage our patients and visitors to act with kindness and respect. You can read their stories below:
Hello, my name is Ashveer.
I am a foundation doctor, working in acute medicine. I became a doctor because I want to make a difference. That could be through a diagnosis, treatment, or simply being present during your happiest or toughest moments.
A patient said they didn’t want to be treated by a nurse because of their skin colour. They started shouting at our team. Other patients on the ward felt scared at a time when they should feel safe. Your actions impact other people. Racism is unacceptable.
Hello, my name is Wemanda.
I am a senior healthcare assistant. I love my job and caring for my patients. I am proud to have worked in the NHS for more than 16 years.
Some patients think that it’s OK to say rude and disrespectful things. They have called me offensive names and refused care because of my skin colour. This has affected my self-esteem. It makes me sad that people think it’s ok to be racist. It is unacceptable.
Hello, my name is Neil.
I am a security team leader. I am here to help keep patients, visitors, and colleagues safe. I’ve worked here for 19 years. I love it because I am always meeting new people and no two days are the same.
I have been punched, kicked, headbutted, slapped and sworn at. Even as an experienced professional who is trained to deal with difficult situations calmly, being a target for physical violence and verbal aggression is never easy.
Hello, my name is Jagan.
I am a porter who helps patients move around our hospitals. I enjoy my job because I get to interact with lots of different people. I like to help patients and treat them with compassion.
A patient I was helping began throwing things from their bed. Something hit me from behind when I was not looking. I was shocked. I always treat patients with kindness, so it is sad when they are unkind to me.
Hello, my name is Lily.
I am a sister in the Emergency Department. I am passionate about mental health and train other nurses in supporting some of our most vulnerable patients.
A patient who could not walk got angry at having to wait for help. We said we would help soon, but he threw a chair and an iPad. It was very upsetting, especially when we were caring for other patients too.
Hello, my name is Ayman.
I am a surgeon. I operate on people’s blood vessels. I enjoy my job because it requires a deep understanding of many health conditions. I can make quick decisions under pressure, which you often need to do during surgery.
Some patients have complex needs, which makes their care more challenging. I understand that patients get frustrated and shout because they may be frightened or in pain. We are trying our best to help and care for you.
Hello, my name is Donna.
I book c-sections for patients who are due to give birth. I have worked here for 14 years and I love my role. I always go above and beyond so patients get the best possible care.
Sometimes patients can become frustrated and unpleasant due to delays and cancellations. This can be upsetting but I try not to take it personally. I always try to manage these situations as best I can.
Hello, my name is Yassar.
I am a foundation doctor in my first year of training. Recently, I have been learning a lot about treating older people. I love being a doctor because I enjoy helping and caring for patients.
I was asked to help a patient who was angry and had blocked a doorway. I calmly talked to them, but then they tried to throw a TV at me. I worry that someone could hurt me or my team while we are doing our jobs.
Hello, my name is Aditi.
I feel honoured to care for patients while working alongside a dedicated team of professionals. Everyone in the team is there for each other, no matter what their role. I love how my job allows me to learn and grow every day.
One incident that sticks with me is when a patient criticised the way I spoke and made racist comments towards me. They thought this was acceptable and did not see that it was making me feel uncomfortable. The words you say have impact. Think about how they affect others.
Hello, my name is Lou.
I love being a midwife. I care for people that want to give birth at home. I have carried three babies for women who were unable to. My midwives treated me with so much kindness that I decided to become one myself.
A patient’s partner became rude and aggressive when an epidural was not effective. The team were trying to help, but they just kept shouting aggressively at us. It made me feel sad, as we were trying our best to help.