– Retention. Doctors who face discrimination want to leave their roles. The NHS needs to retain its doctors and must therefore create a workplace that values doctors from all backgrounds, as the population of doctors has always been diverse, and will continue to diversify

– Diversity. The diversity of the medical workforce is beneficial. Evidence shows that diverse teams and leadership lead to improved problem solving, engagement, and retention

– Doctors reaching their full potential. Doctors should be able to achieve and prosper in their careers to reach their full potential, unhindered by discrimination. Patients benefit from having a doctor who can perform to the best of their ability and provide an excellent healthcare service

– Patient safety in healthcare. For example, we have evidence showing that doctors from ethnic minority backgrounds feel less able to speak up due to various reasons, including distrust in a system that does not address incidents of discrimination, bullying and harassment

– Improved patient care. A diverse and culturally literate healthcare workforce leads to more equal health outcomes for patients from all backgrounds

– Wellbeing. The impact of discrimination on the individual healthcare worker can impact productivity, clinical performance, safety, mental health, and relationships. People work best in inclusive working environments where they feel valued and fairly treated

– Efficiency. Time and monetary savings can be made when a workforce is inclusive and there is improved civility in the training and working environment. For example, reduced costs for legal claims of harassment and discrimination.

Aishnine Benjamin is BMA head of equality, inclusion and culture