Medicine and Science from The BMJ

Doctors against the far right

Nov 3, 2025
Alistair Stewart, a consultant psychiatrist from Manchester, co-authored an open letter urging NHS staff to oppose the far-right's influence. Omnia Ahmed, a resident doctor in London, highlights the emotional toll of anti-migrant rhetoric on NHS workers and emphasizes the need for institutional support. Matthew Hutchinson, a rheumatologist and stand-up comedian, shares insights from his memoir about balancing healthcare and humor while navigating challenges in the medical field. Together, they discuss combating racism and advocating for solidarity among healthcare professionals.
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INSIGHT

Far-Right Rhetoric Has Entered Mainstream

  • Racism and far-right targeting of asylum seekers has spread into mainstream discourse and now threatens NHS staff.
  • The letter 'Everybody's Business' argues that tackling this requires collective action across the health service.
ANECDOTE

Hospital Staff Frightened By Rally

  • Jordan Rivera describes staff frightened by a racist rally passing a central London hospital and staying on site.
  • She formed a hospital group, produced leaflets and myth-busters to support staff and counter misinformation.
ADVICE

Use Fact Leaflets To Counter Myths

  • Make accessible leaflets that debunk common immigration myths and explain migrants' contribution to the NHS.
  • Use facts to empower staff to counter racist claims in everyday conversations.
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