MSP hits out at US-style NHS advice on racism

THE NHS should concentrate on “healing the sick” rather than fighting racism, an MSP has claimed after bonkers guidance was issued to staff.

- By Douglas Dickie

SNP ministers issued the advice to workers after claiming racism was a “significant public health challenge”.

But MSP Stephen Kerr has accused the Nationalists of “pushing divisive concepts imported from America” in an attempt to stir up a culture war.

And he said hard-pressed NHS staff were being pressured into taking on even more responsibility at a time when the health service is inadequately funded from Edinburgh.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said last year that all health boards would be forced to develop anti-racism plans.

Mr Kerr, a Conservative representative for Central Scotland, said the advice contains “questionable statements” such as: “It is not enough to be ‘not racist’. We must be proactively anti-racism.”