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Ed Balls and Charlotte Hawkins were back on GMB on Monday

A star of Good Morning Britain shared a distressing news update on Monday (October 27), prompting viewers to comment, “It’s scary”.

During the latest episode of the popular ITV morning show, presenters Ed Balls and Charlotte Hawkins brought audiences up to speed with the most recent news from across the UK and globally.

Laura Tobin provided regular weather updates, while Sean Fletcher covered the remainder of the day’s headlines.

Later in the programme, Sean disclosed that racism towards nurses has reached a “crisis point” in the UK, following a stark alert from the nursing and midwifery regulator.

This follows a report from the Nurses’ Union which reveals that instances of racism have surged by 55% over the past three years. However, with many too frightened to come forward, they suggest the actual number of incidents could be significantly higher, reports Wales Online.

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Sean Fletcher shared a devastating news update(Image: ITV)

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Sean explained: “It comes as a report from the Nurses’ Union finds that incidents of racism have increased by 55% in the last three years,” the presenter continued.

“But with many too scared to speak up, they say the number of cases could be far higher.”

In a pre-recorded segment, correspondent Polly Bartlett revealed the “shocking” real-life testimony of nurses working in the UK.

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“I was doing an ECG for a patient and his family members asked specifically for a white nurse and they became really aggressive. It was really quite horrific,” explained nurse Neomi Bennett.

Polly went on to say: “Incidents like this are rising. An advice line run by the Royal College of Nursing is recording three calls a day from nursing staff. And the number of reports is projected to exceed 1,000 this year.”

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 Sean disclosed that racism towards nurses has reached a “crisis point” in the UK(Image: Jeff Moore/PA Wire)

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Paul Rees, the CEO of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, added: “It really has reached a crisis point. For some people, they see it as being worse now than any time in the last 30 years.

“But I have to say, not surprising given the upsurge we’ve seen in racism and hate across our society.”

The Department of Health described the figures as “shocking” and the Prime Minister has ordered an urgent review of racism in the NHS.

GMB viewers were left gobsmacked by the news, with one individual posting on X (formerly Twitter): “It’s scary.”

Another chimed in: “Wow this is unbelievable.” while a third said: “Nurses who care for us should always be treated with respect and thanks.”