Tackling workplace prejudice and building a disability-inclusive NHS

Individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions often face discrimination on both a personal and institutional level. Sadly, such discrimination is pervasive in the NHS.

Workers with disabilities are a valuable part of the healthcare profession because of their unique insights into patient care. Therefore, it is particularly concerning that employees with disabilities reportedly experience higher levels of discrimination than any other protected characteristic group within the NHS (Moore et al, 2019). Healthcare workers with disabilities face unique barriers and challenges as they study, train and work in a system that was not designed to accommodate their requirements. For example, the British Medical Association (2020) found that 77% of doctors and medical students with disabilities fear prejudice if they disclose a disability or long-term health condition. All healthcare professionals have the ability to address these concerns by raising awareness of hidden disabilities and challenging negative attitudes.

Challenges faced by healthcare workers