The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has responded to a landmark review on antisemitism and other forms of racism in the NHS. 

The review, by Lord Mann, the Government’s Independent Adviser on Antisemitism, makes 35 recommendations to tackle discrimination across the health service. 

The report finds that discrimination is persistent with 11% of Jewish staff and 16% of Muslim staff having faced discriminatory behaviour from patients or the public in the past year. 

A further 13% of both groups report discrimination from managers or colleagues. 

In response to the report, the RCM, said: 

“The RCM is alarmed to see the rise of antisemitism reported by Lord Mann and this must be tackled urgently across the health service. There is no place for antisemitic, racist or toxic behaviour in maternity or anywhere in the NHS.   

 “We expect NHS employers and the regulator, the NMC, to take prompt and effective action to root it out. All people accessing healthcare have the right to receive safe, respectful and equitable treatment. Staff shouldn’t have to tolerate discrimination in their workplace.   

 “The RCM condemns all forms of discrimination and stands with staff campaigning against it. This takes time, training and support and this report doesn’t go far enough in making sure this is in place.”