A powerful and timely book by Madhun Foolchand explores the enduring realities of racism within wider society and the National Health Service (NHS).
The book will be relaunched on Saturday 12 December 2026, at the BRIG Café, The Warehouse, 54–57 Allison Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5TH. The event will take place from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, with discussions led by Lorna Shaw, CEO of Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG). Light refreshments will be provided.
Drawing upon historical context, lived experience and the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Foolchand sheds light on how Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) patients and staff faced disproportionate suffering, neglect and loss within the NHS.
Through personal accounts interwoven with critical analysis, the book challenges the assumption that racism has no place in a caring profession.
About the Book
Structured in two parts, the book first examines racism through the author's childhood experiences in Mauritius, tracing its roots through colonialism, indentured labour and the ideology of white superiority.
It then explores the experiences of BAME communities in Britain, highlighting their invaluable contributions during both World Wars and their ongoing struggles against institutional and systemic racism.
The second part focuses on the COVID-19 crisis, examining how deeply entrenched inequalities within the NHS contributed to devastating outcomes for BAME staff and patients. While the government sought to portray the NHS as a success story, Foolchand highlights the persistence of institutional racism and the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on ethnic minority communities.
This book is more than a personal testimony; it is a call to action. It offers important insights for healthcare professionals, policymakers, politicians and everyone committed to tackling racism and advancing social justice.
Dedication and Acknowledgements
The book is dedicated to Foolchand's late parents, whose resilience in the face of hardship and systemic oppression in Mauritius shaped his understanding of injustice and resistance.
It also honours the sacrifices made by NHS staff, particularly those who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, and stands in solidarity with all those who continue to challenge racism and inequality.
About the Author
Madhun Foolchand began his NHS career in September 1971 in rural Scotland. He later trained as a mental health nurse and worked in the Midlands as a charge nurse, nurse tutor and university lecturer.
He gained a BSc in Nursing Studies in 1988 and a Master's in Educational Studies in 1998. During his academic career, he led several modules exploring health and race, drawing upon his professional experience and commitment to addressing inequalities in healthcare.
Foolchand was also appointed as a Mental Health Act Commissioner, a role that involved visiting patients in mental health hospitals for more than a decade.
Before and after retirement, he has remained an active health campaigner, working with Healthwatch and independently to advocate for greater accountability and equality within healthcare.
He has authored numerous articles and previously published his memoir, Surviving Racism in the NHS.
Book Relaunch Event Details
Date: Saturday 12 December 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Venue: BRIG Café, The Warehouse, 54–57 Allison Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5TH
Discussion led by: Lorna Shaw, CEO of Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG)
Refreshments: Light refreshments will be provided.
The event offers an opportunity to engage with the author's experiences, reflect on institutional racism within healthcare and wider society, and explore the importance of collective action in challenging racial inequalities.
Book your free ticket here.