North Bristol Trust's Red Card to Racism

Bristol Southmead Hospital: Racist patients could have treatment withdrawn

Patients who racially abuse hospital staff could have their treatment withdrawn, an NHS trust said.

North Bristol Trust (NBT) launched its Red Card to Racism campaign after staff reported an increase of abuse from patients and visitors at the city's Southmead Hospital.

The abusive behaviour covers racist or sexist language, gestures or behaviour.

Trust chief executive Andrea Young said they wanted staff to "challenge and report it".

Under the scheme, any patient abusing staff would be challenged and warned, leading to a "sports-style disciplinary yellow card" followed by a final red card in which treatment is denied.