“White Staff Only” for my babies delivery - Alleged racist request at UK hospital

October 30, 2009 by Baby Chums
Filed under: News

milton_keynes_hospital A woman about to give birth at a Buckinghamshire, UK hospital allegedly objected to non-white staff being in the delivery room. The request was refused by the Hospital who have begun a “full investigation”.

The unnamed white woman, had a Caesarean section. It’s unclear whether this was part of her birthing plan or an alleged demand on-the-spot. A hospital spokeswoman said: “A specific request was made, but due to patient confidentiality, we cannot go into detail,”

“We did not change medical rotas.”

According to 2009 figures, 56 per cent of the hospital workforce is white, 6.2 per cent Asian and 6.3 per cent black.

Staff at the hospital have complained to the Equality and Human Rights Commission about the way the situation was handled earlier this month.

She added that there were medical complications during the birth earlier this month, but that mother and baby had now returned home “safe, well and happy”.

The hospital said it is thought to be the first time such a request has been made to them.

A Department of Health spokesman said: “All staff and patients should be treated with respect at all times and not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on any grounds.

“We expect all parts of the NHS to adhere to this principle and are seeking urgent clarification from the trust.”