NCA doctor recognised for his work in challenging bullying and harassment

Carol Sewell (UNISON), Dr Syed Mujtaba Hasnain Nadir and Maria Alberts (UNISON)

Northern Care Alliance NHS Group’s Dr Syed Mujtaba Hasnain Nadir has been recognised for his work in challenging bullying and harassment experienced by black staff.

Dr Nadir, a specialist trainee in gastroenterology, received the UNISON-sponsored workforce innovator award at the inaugural National BAME Health and Care Awards.

The awards ceremony took place at the UNISON Centre in London where Dr Nadir was presented with his award by Carol Sewell of the union’s NEC and national black members’ committee, and Maria Alberts, from the UNISON healthcare service group executive.

Dr Nadir has also been key in improving induction and training support for overseas staff, changing a toxic environment to one that is positive and friendly for everyone from any background.

Dr Nadir said: "I am pleased, not so much for the honour of winning a national award but for the encouragement and empowerment it provides to help others, especially those of the BAME community who feel that their voices go unheard.

"Making change is a process, and the first step is standing up and raising your voice for what is right. This can be incredibly hard, but you will find help in the most unusual of places. We need to be better at supporting each other. Quoting the founder of my country, Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, 'Think 100 times before you take a decision, but once that decision is taken, stand by it as one man.' This is a message of conviction and dedication, something I have seen in abundance in the NHS. I hope we can all stand by these principals and come together to make the NHS a better place."

Presenting the award, Ms Alberts recalled that when she started working in the health service in Gateshead 25 years ago, she was the only black member of staff.

Now, 25 percent of the NHS workforce is black.

She said UNISON was proud to sponsor the award, which comes in the week that UNISON launched its Race for Equality campaign.

The campaign aims to help UNISON representatives champion equality and tackle workplace racism in all its forms; challenging employers to do better and empowering staff to use their voice and lead the change.

“UNISON knows that too often black staff feel nothing will be done if they raise issues like bullying and harassment or exclusion,” she said.

”The union is working to try to turn that around, giving members confidence that together we can do something about it and that sponsoring this award is a fantastic opportunity to support and celebrate individuals and teams who can show us successful ways to achieve real change.”