Amanda Pritchard, chief of NHS England, condemns remarks made by health tech entrepreneur Frank Hester, amidst broader concerns over discrimination within the NHS and lack of action from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
NHS England’s chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, has strongly condemned remarks made by Frank Hester, a health tech entrepreneur and Conservative Party donor, towards Diane Abbott, branding them “racist, sexist, and violent.” Frank Hester, CEO of the Phoenix Partnership (TPP), a key NHS supplier, apologized for his comments from 2019 which were criticized for not aligning with NHS values. This comes amidst broader concerns regarding the treatment of Black and minority ethnic staff within the NHS, as recent figures reveal a significant disparity in experiences of discrimination compared to their white colleagues.
In a separate development, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has faced criticism for not condemning the racist comments made by a Tory donor about Diane Abbott, the longest-serving Black MP in Britain. A group of campaigners, including Lord Simon Woolley and the Muslim Council of Britain, have expressed concerns that the lack of a strong response could normalize racism. They have also highlighted the ethical implications of accepting a £10m donation from the donor in question, urging the Prime Minister to take concrete steps to combat racism within the government.
The NHS annual race report further underscores the challenges faced by Black and ethnic minority ambulance staff, with nearly one in five reporting discrimination from colleagues. This indicates ongoing issues within the NHS workforce related to equality, respect, and career progression for ethnic minority and disabled staff. In light of these revelations, NHS leaders have acknowledged the urgent need for action to improve working conditions and combat discrimination, with a focus on enhancing the NHS’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion improvement plan.
The controversy surrounding Frank Hester’s remarks and the broader context of discrimination within the NHS and the Conservative Party have led to calls for a review of NHS contracts with suppliers to ensure they align with the values of inclusivity and respect. Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting has criticized the government’s initial response to the controversy and called for accountability in healthcare partnerships. This situation has sparked a wider debate on the integrity and ethical standards expected in healthcare and political institutions.
