Barts Health NHS Trust has confirmed that hospital staff are not allowed to wear political symbols following a review of its uniform policy that comes into effect this week.  There have been a string of incidents in the hospitals of the Barts Health NHS Trust, where Jewish patients were distressed by staff wearing pro-Palestinian badges and clothing.

The latest incident to be reported by UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) to Barts NHS Trust was when a young Jewish woman went to Whipps Cross hospital for a caesarean birth. During the 24 hours that she was in hospital, she encountered three members of staff wearing political slogans: two with “Free Palestine” badges on their lanyards and one with a watermelon badge.

She commented:

“The display of these symbols made me feel extremely vulnerable, particularly given the level of antisemitic activity we’re all witnessing via the extreme elements of online activity and at the UK-wide marches etc. While waiting for surgery in the operating theatre, I felt panicked as each person walked in that they too would be wearing a badge and that my care may be jeopardized or,  that someone who dislikes Jewish people or Israel would be responsible for the delivery of my child which, even if not a risk to my health, feels wholly unpleasant.”

“I understand the strength of feeling from those deeply concerned about the conflict. However, I do not see that it is reasonable to have political views on display in the workplace, particularly when dealing with patients at their most vulnerable and when the conflict and the symbolism surrounding it are so deeply complex.”

This patient was also particularly concerned that even though it has been well publicised that Jewish patients find these symbols intimidating, the individuals who were caring for her continued to wear the badges with no regard for the impact on patient wellbeing.

UKLFI wrote to Whipps Cross Hospital, setting out the individual concerns of this patient, as well as the legal breaches by the hospital.  UKLFI pointed out that the hospital was breaching the Equality Act 2010 by harassing its Jewish and Israeli patients, through the unwanted conduct of its staff which created an intimidating, hostile and offensive environment for them. It was also breaching its own policies on racism.

UKLFI has received assurance from Dr Amanjit Jhund, Chief Executive Officer – Whipps Cross University Hospital, that “following a consultation process with our clinical leadership and union representatives in line with our policy review and sign off processes and the revised policy will be going live this week and will say: Our staff are expected not to be wearing or displaying political symbols e.g. badges, lanyards, or clothing with political slogans, ideology or national flag. The purpose of adopting a position of political neutrality is to foster an environment of inclusivity.” 

Dr Jhund has confirmed that the new policy applies throughout the Barts Health NHS Trust, which covers five hospitals: St Bartholomew’s, Mile End, Whipps Cross, Newham and the Royal London.

Caroline Turner, director of UKLFI commented, “We are pleased that the new dress code has been introduced, and hope that it will be communicated clearly to all staff.   Those who breach the code should be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions.”

This new policy will be gratefully received by Jewish and Israeli patients and staff given the many incidents that have been reported to UKLFI from various hospitals in the Barts  NHS Trust.

These include

• Newham Hospital – Staff member at wearing a Palestine T shirt – Arabic writing on the front and on the back 2 maps of Israel in Palestinian colours.
• St Bartholomews Hospital – elderly Jewish man deeply distressed by seeing a staff member wearing the Palestinian pin.  Various staff members wearing the Palestinian Flag badge including a service manager.
• Royal London Hospital – Outpatients receptionist wore black T-shirt which had a large silhouette of the map of Israel and shaded in that map was the colours of the Keffiyeh.  This depicts Israel being totally taken over. And is very provocative to Jews and Israelis.
• Whipps Cross hospital – staff members still wearing watermelon badges on their lanyards, maternity ward patient saw 3 nursing staff wearing pro Palestine symbols.
• Whipps Cross Hospital – Intern wearing T shirt with “Palestine” on the front in the dialysis department