We are launching the “It’s not OK to say" campaign, which is part of our continued efforts to promote a culture of kindness and inclusivity.
The campaign aims to increase awareness of ‘microaggressions’ from staff and patients alike, that make everyone experiencing them feel excluded. This includes things like asking someone where they are from repeatedly because of the colour of their skin, or assuming disabled staff need your help or can’t do something without support.
This follows feedback in the latest staff survey completed at Northumbria, showing an increase in verbal and physical assaults staff experienced in the line of duty during the pandemic from both patients and staff. BAME, LGBT+ and disabled staff in particular have been most affected.
When you’re dealing with this on a regular basis it can be damaging not just to an individual’s wellbeing but damages our culture as a caring organisation and ultimately impacts on patient care.
Thank you to the staff who feature in our campaign for sharing their stories and helping us to raise awareness of this important issue.
What should you do if you experience a microaggression?
Help us put a stop to it. If you hear it, call it out or let your manager know if you do not feel comfortable raising it.
Microaggressions - what you should know
Microaggressions are subtle, invisible and harmful verbal, and non-verbal slights, snubs or insults, whether intentional or not, they communicate hostile derogatory or negative messages to the person they are aimed at.
The first step is recognising when a microaggression has occurred. Below are some useful examples and resources.