The National Health Service in England will curb political symbols on staff uniforms and require antisemitism training for health leaders after a government-ordered review found Jewish staff and patients face “routine ostracism” and abuse.
In a 60-page report published on Thursday, Lord John Mann, the government’s antisemitism adviser, warned that anti-Jewish hostility in the NHS is so widespread that some patients conceal their identity, delay care or avoid treatment, while Jewish staff “suffer in silence.”
The findings follow a series of disciplinary cases, including two doctors struck off the U.K. medical register for antisemitic conduct and another facing trial on charges of inviting support for Hamas, stirring up racial hatred and using threatening language at a protest.
Under the plans, the chairs and chief executives of all 205 NHS trusts in England will undergo mandatory anti-racism training, including specific modules on antisemitism, within six months, and new national guidance will limit political badges and symbols on uniforms while protecting religious expression.
Officials said the measures are intended to tackle all forms of racism and discrimination in the health service and to restore Jewish patients’ confidence that they will receive equal treatment.
“Since Lord Mann was commissioned to undertake this review, the experience of the Jewish community in this country has only worsened. The arson attack on a Hatzola ambulance station in Golders Green in April was the clearest sign yet of how growing antisemitism in our society has reached our health services,” The Guardian quoted Rebecca Gray, a director at the NHS Alliance, as saying.
“It is vital that Jewish staff and patients feel safe at work, are able to practice and seek treatment without fear of prejudice or abuse, and are provided with the respect and dignity we all deserve,” she continued.
The Department of Health and Social Care said it is “supporting all of the recommendations from Lord Mann’s review to tackle antisemitism and other forms of racism across the NHS.” The department added that this “will mean that both NHS patients and staff will be better protected against hate.”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews welcomed the proposed changes, with the organization’s vice president, Karen Newman, writing in a statement that “we are grateful to Lord Mann for this review and welcome both his proposed changes and the government’s commitment to implement them.” Newman vowed that her organization “will continue to press government, NHS leaders and regulators to implement these changes swiftly.”
