Staff at Wirral Community Health and Care (WCHC) and Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) are taking a strong stand against racism by supporting Wear Red Day.
With a zero tolerance approach to racism at both organisations, staff will mark their support for the campaign by giving racism the red card and wearing red on Friday 17 October.
Committed to ensuring the elimination of all forms of racism, both Trusts have signed up to the NHS North West Anti-Racism Framework. WUTH has achieved bronze status in the framework in recognition of its support and commitment and WCHC is also working towards bronze status. Staff are encouraged to speak up, identify, discuss and challenge racism.
Cultural differences are celebrated and racism is not tolerated, and the aim is to ensure patients and staff do not experience discrimination in any form.
Both organisations have active Multi Cultural and BAME Staff Networks and celebrate the diversity of their staff and the communities they serve.
The Trusts have supported a number of international recruitment initiatives over the years and both have a shared priority of ensuring staff feel included, valued, respected and that they belong.
Janelle Holmes, Joint Chief Executive at WCHC and WUTH said:
“We continue to make racial equality a top priority for all our staff and patients. Racism is not tolerated in our organisations and we are demonstrating that as part of this campaign.
“We want our patients and staff from all backgrounds to feel welcome. The recruitment of our international colleagues has had such a positive impact on our hospital as well as the community and it’s really important that we embrace that.”
Millie Williams, Chair of the BAME Network at Wirral Community Health and Care, said:
“Wear Red Day is a powerful opportunity for us all to come together and show that racism has no place in our organisation or our communities. By standing united and wearing red, we send a clear message of inclusion, respect and equality. Every action, every conversation, and every show of solidarity helps create a culture where everyone feels safe, supported and celebrated for who they are.”
Nathalia Aguilera, Co-Chair of the Multicultural Staff Network at WUTH, said:
“Wear Red Day is an important reminder that everyone has a role to play in calling out racism and supporting equality. As a Multicultural Staff Network, we are proud to celebrate the diversity within our workforce and our community. Standing together and showing solidarity sends a clear message, everyone deserves to feel respected, valued and safe at work and when receiving care.”

Janelle Holmes, Joint Chief Executive at WCHC and WUTH, Nathalia Aguilera, Co-Chair of the Multicultural Staff Network at WUTH and members of the leadership team at WCHC and WUTH.