Help Me Fight Workplace Racism & Bullying in the NHS
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Hi, my name is Sheila, and I have dedicated over 25 years of my life as a specialist nurse in occupational health, serving in the NHS and some of the UK’s leading international firms across media and academia. Caring for others has been my life’s work, but behind the scenes, I have endured something no one should ever have to face.
Everyday, NHS workers dedicate their lives to caring for people but like myself, many face relentless racism, bullying, and injustice in the workplace, affecting their wellbeing, with a broader impact on patient care.
For over four years, I have been subjected to humiliating discrimination, gaslighting, and career sabotage, which has not only shattered my confidence but also left me deeply traumatised.
Like many NHS workers, I dedicated myself to my job, believing that hard work, compassion, and expertise would be enough to thrive. But instead, I found myself trapped in a toxic environment where racism and bullying were not only tolerated but actively protected by leadership.
Despite my dedication and years of experience:
- I was repeatedly denied career progression opportunities while less experienced colleagues were promoted ahead of me.
- I was deliberately excluded from training—only to later find out that my colleagues had been granted the same courses I had applied for and was denied, being told they were “unnecessary.”
- I was falsely accused, isolated, and gaslighted after becoming co-chair of a staff network supporting minority employees.
- I was subjected to verbal and psychological abuse, including demeaning comments that belittled my presence, my intelligence, and even my accent with my department head saying that I speak in an accusatory way.
- I was denied occupational health support in the very department dedicated to staff wellbeing, when my mental health suffered due to unfair treatment.
And worst of all? The leadership knew. They heard about it and they did nothing.
Breaking the Silence – Taking the NHS to Court
For years, I tried to endure and hoped things would change. I stayed silent out of fear of losing my job, fear of being blacklisted, fear that no one would believe me. But silence only allows this cycle of abuse to continue so enough is enough.
I have made the difficult decision to take my employer, the NHS, to court. Not just for myself, but for the countless other NHS workers who have suffered in silence.
Why this fight matters
- Racism and bullying are destroying NHS workers’ mental health.
- This toxic culture is compromising patient care.
- Systemic barriers make it nearly impossible for victims to get justice.
This isn’t just my fight. It’s a fight for every healthcare worker who has been silenced, belittled, and forced to suffer in the shadows.
How your support can help
- Legal fees: Fighting an institution as powerful as the NHS is daunting and costly. Your donations will help cover legal representation to hold them accountable. My court date is in July and I intend to provide updates as things progress.
- Advocacy & awareness: We must shine a light on the systemic failures that allow workplace discrimination to thrive.
- Support for other victims: Funds will also go toward providing advice, guidance, and support for other NHS workers facing similar injustices.
Every voice counts – Here’s how you can help
- Donate: Any amount, big or small, brings us one step closer to justice.
- Share: Spread the word if you can. The more people know, the harder it is to ignore.
- Speak Up: If you have a similar story, I welcome you to share it with me.
Thank you!
This is a difficult and deeply uncomfortable truth to confront, but change only happens when we stand together. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your support, whether through a donation, a share, or simply standing in solidarity.
Let’s fight for a workplace where dignity, respect, and fairness are the standard, not the exception.
Organizer and beneficiary
Sheila N
Organizer
England
Sheila N Chohan
Beneficiary