My name is Princess Mntonintshi, a South African who has worked for the Biochemistry department at Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) for the past 10 years as a Biomedical scientist. A period in which I returned to South Africa to be with my family but was asked to return to work at this Trust twice, from South Africa due to my exemplary work ethic and reputation. Most recently, I returned in January 2020 and was happy to work in the Biochemistry department at Queen’s Hospital, even with the threat of the pandemic looming.

Within 5 months of resuming employment at the Trust and with positive feedback from my probation review, I found myself in a position where my probation was being extended with the risk of my contract being terminated by my new Line Manager. I believe this threat to my employment was due to written false accusations based on my race. This would leave me with no job, no income to support myself or my family back home, and put me at risk of deportation during the height of the covid-19 pandemic. The stress and uncertainty during this period led to a diagnosis of depression and anxiety by my GP, and to me taking antidepressants to cope.

There have been several other complaints about racism in the Biochemistry department including those from a senior Biomedical scientist, Ubah Jama. She also believes she has been subject to racial discrimination, harassment and victimisation that have greatly impacted her wellbeing. Ubah Jama has also witnessed and raised complaints regarding appalling conduct which risked the health and safety of BAME laboratory staff in the department such as throwing potentially infectious biological specimen at staff. Ubah Jama and I have since been through numerous investigations and two appeal hearings during the pandemic with no resolution. Leaving us with no choice but to pursue justice at the Employment Tribunal. Our case of racial discrimination, racial harassment, victimisation and whistleblowing will be heard at tribunal in August 2022.

The status of my employment has still not been confirmed, but we both want to continue to do the jobs we love in the NHS without this racism and prejudice. Hoping for a culture of equality where the priority and focus is health, safety and great patient care.

Please help us in supporting our cause for change in culture at this NHS Trust. We are aiming to raise £60000 to cover our legal fees for employment tribunal in August 2022. We need your support: please contribute and share this page.

Thank you for any contribution you make and for supporting us in our fight for justice