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A doctor working for the NHS faced discrimination and felt unsupported due to her disability. Dr. Alice Gatenby, who has epilepsy, revealed that senior colleagues criticized her for not working night shifts, implying she was “not a real doctor.” A survey conducted by the British Medical Association (BMA) found that over half of disabled and neurodivergent doctors and medical students believe ableism is a more significant issue within the medical profession than in society at large. The Welsh government emphasized the importance of supporting disabled staff through reasonable adjustments, as mandated by law.
Health boards in Wales are responsible for managing rotas, but NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership noted that they provide support to employers and resident doctors requiring adjustments. Despite the demand for doctors in the region, Dr. Gatenby contemplated leaving her position due to the NHS’s reluctance to accommodate her epilepsy. Another doctor, Liz Murray, left the NHS after more than a decade due to the system’s inflexibility in meeting her health needs, including chronic conditions like lupus and endometriosis.
The BMA’s survey further highlighted the challenges faced by disabled healthcare professionals, with over half either leaving the profession or considering leaving in recent years. Tricia Roberts, a clinical nurse specialist, emphasized the need for flexible working arrangements to fully support neurodivergent colleagues. Dr. Gatenby expressed frustration at the system’s rigidity regarding her disability, highlighting the need for changes to better accommodate disabled medical professionals. The BMA’s Chairman emphasized the importance of providing appropriate support for disabled healthcare workers and addressing discrimination and stigma within the medical profession
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