NHS staff reported over ‘free Palestine’ shirt and badges while treating Jewish patients
Staff at NHS hospitals have been reported for wearing pro-Palestinian clothing and badges at work.
These occurrences, which have been described as “intimidating and distressing,” have prompted Barts Health NHS Trust to review their dress code.
According to UK Lawyers of Israel (UKLFI), several incidents have been reported in the past few weeks, including a case of an elderly Jewish man who was deeply troubled after seeing staff members wearing a Palestine pin while being treated at St Bartholemew’s Hospital.
Another incident occurred at Whipps Cross Hospital, where a patient being given dialysis photographed a student wearing a Palestinian football shirt.
When the patient complained about the shirt, the nurses threatened to stop treating him if he did not delete the photograph.
An assistant at Newham Hospital was also reported for wearing a Palestine football shirt, and many other staff at the hospital have reportedly been wearing “Free Palestine” badges over the past year.
UK Lawyers of Israel have said that by allowing this attire, NHS staff at the trust were creating an “intimidating, hostile and offensive environment for Israeli or Jewish patients and staff.”
They claimed that it was inappropriate for staff members to display their political views, and a potential breach of the Equality act as patients were facing harassment based on their race, religion or belief.
The organisation wrote to the NHS hospitals warning them that staff wearing Palestine flags could make Jewish patients afraid to reveal their nationality or religion for fear of being harmed.
As a response, Barts brought forward a review of its uniform policy which was initially set for review next October.
Caroline Turner of UKLFI said: “It is particularly concerning that some of the staff members wearing the Palestine flag pin are in senior positions, setting a very poor example for other staff.”
“It is important that hospitals promote an environment of neutrality. In such a diverse workplace, political displays can create division and discomfort.”
She added that they were pleased to hear that Barts Trust was reviewing the dress code and they looked forward to receiving the new version and to it being enforced.
A spokesman for the trust said: “Our uniform policy makes it clear that all staff, including students, should wear an appropriate uniform to give patients confidence they will be treated in a positive and professional manner.”
“We are reviewing the policy to provide further guidance on the use of political symbols at work.”
In June, Victoria Atkins, the then UK Health secretary, was working to ban Palestine badges from the NHS in a move she was “determined to develop.”