White doctors are ‘more likely to be promoted in the NHS than their ethnic colleagues’, Royal College of Physicians research suggests
- White British doctors apply to be consultants, but are more likely to become one
- A third of minority ethnic staff in the workforce, but 6 per cent in senior positions
- British Medical Association chairman said figures are ‘unacceptable racial bias’
White doctors are more likely to be promoted in the NHS than their ethnic minority colleagues, research suggests.
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) found that although white British doctors apply for fewer posts as consultants, they are more likely to get one.
Black and minority ethnic (BME) staff account for a third of the NHS workforce, but less than 6 per cent in some senior positions.
White doctors are more likely to be promoted in the NHS than their ethnic minority colleagues, research suggests
An RCP survey of 487 doctors who became NHS consultants last year found those from a BME background applied for an average 1.66 posts before succeeding, as opposed to 1.29 for white British doctors.
The figure for shortlists was 66 per cent compared with 80 per cent.
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the British Medical Association, told The Guardian: ‘This study is further confirmation of the unacceptable racial bias that exists within the NHS.
The RCP, which represents hospital doctors in England, said the ‘unconscious bias’ could mean that talented BME doctors are being overlooked for promotion.
RCP president Andrew Goggard called the findings ‘a clear warning signal’.
The RCP, which represents hospital doctors in England, said the ‘unconscious bias’ could mean that talented BME doctors are being overlooked for promotion