Southmead Hospital to withhold treatment from racist patients under new policy

Patients who racially abuse staff at a hospital in Bristol could have their treatment withdrawn under a new zero-tolerance policy.

North Bristol NHS Trust has launched its ‘Red Card to Racism’ campaign after staff at Southmead Hospital reported an increase in abuse from patients and visitors.

Under the scheme, any patient caught abusing staff would be warned, leading to a "sports-style” yellow card followed by a final red card in which treatment would be "withdrawn as soon as is safe".

The abusive behaviour covers racist or sexist language, excessive noise, abuse of alcohol or drugs, threatening language, malicious allegations and intentional damage to property.

Posters have been put up around the hospital informing patients that they are now subject to the policy.

The hospital is also calling on its staff to join its Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Network to champion the approach and to provide support to any affected staff.