Racism Against Indigenous Patients Is a Critical Patient Safety Issue

The New Brunswick Nurses Union (NBNU) affirms that racism against Indigenous patients is a critical patient safety issue. 

Patient safety is not only about the clinical care provided. It is also about how that care is experienced. Safe, high-quality healthcare depends on trust between patients and healthcare providers. When patients do not feel respected, heard, or safe accessing care, trust can be compromised, creating barriers to healthcare services and negatively affecting health outcomes. 

NBNU recognizes that many Indigenous Peoples in Canada have experienced racism and discrimination in healthcare settings. These experiences have been documented for decades and can contribute to delayed care, avoidance of healthcare services, reduced trust in the healthcare system, and poorer health outcomes. 

As nurses, we have a professional and ethical responsibility to advocate for safe, compassionate, respectful care for every patient. Creating healthcare environments where Indigenous patients feel welcomed, valued, and safe supports improved communication, stronger therapeutic relationships, and better patient outcomes. 

NBNU recognizes that meaningful reconciliation is an ongoing process that requires listening, learning, reflection, and action. While reconciliation is a shared responsibility, nurses have an important role to play in fostering healthcare environments that support dignity, respect, cultural safety, and equitable access to care. 

NBNU believes that every patient deserves to receive care in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and heard. Recognizing racism against Indigenous patients as a critical patient safety issue is an important step toward strengthening trust, improving access to care, and advancing safe, equitable healthcare for all.