Psychiatric Bulletin (2003) 27: 155. doi: 10.1192/pb.27.4.155
© 2003 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Psychiatric Bulletin (2003) 27: 155
© 2003 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Institutional racism in British psychiatry?
Ian G Bronks
The Beeches, 64 Broadway, Duffield, Derbyshire DE56 4BU
The president of the College was recently reported (BMA News, 28
September 2002) to have expressed the opinion that there is an element of
institutional racism in (presumably British) psychiatry. He gave as evidence
of this: ‘You are six times as likely to be sectioned [sic] under the
1983 Mental Health Act if you are black, young and male.’
No doubt some psychiatrists hold racist attitudes, as do many other people.
However, the president's suggestion that psychiatrists in this country allow
any racial views they may privately hold to influence their professional
practice is unjustified and offensive. His view that the fact, if it be one,
that young black males are admitted to hospital under the provisions of the
Mental Health Act 1983 more frequently than are others, is evidence of
improper practice, based on racial attitudes, is self-evidently absurd. That
the president of a medical royal college should hold such an opinion must be a
matter for concern.
I would suggest that a retraction of the reported remarks, accompanied by
an apology on the part of the president to the College membership, would be
appropriate.
