Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has introduced new measures to prevent unauthorised political campaigning in patient waiting areas after UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) complained about anti-Israel leaflets found in a cardiology department.

The Trust confirmed that the leaflets, discovered at Willesden Centre for Health and Care in London, had not been authorised for display. It has now instructed staff at both Willesden and Wembley Community Diagnostic Centres to be vigilant about political campaigning material and to remove unauthorised leaflets.

UKLFI complained after a Jewish patient attending a cardiology appointment on 13 October 2026 found leaflets headed “NO PALANTIR IN THE NHS”, produced by Brent and Harrow Palestine Solidarity Campaign and bearing the logo of Health Workers for a Free Palestine.

The leaflets urged patients to lobby NHS bodies and politicians to terminate a contract with the American technology company Palantir, claiming that its technology had enabled “Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza”.

The patient said she felt “frightened and uncomfortable” about receiving treatment in a department displaying such material.

UKLFI wrote to the Trust’s Chief Executive, Professor Julian Redhead, arguing that NHS waiting rooms should not be used to promote contentious political campaigns. It raised concerns about the Trust’s obligations under the Equality Act 2010 to protect Jewish patients and provide an inclusive healthcare environment.

In its response dated 11 November 2026, the Trust apologised for the patient’s distress and confirmed that the leaflets had not been authorised.

The Trust’s Head of Complaints, said reception staff did not recognise the leaflet and could not recall anyone requesting permission to display it. The Trust subsequently checked all patient areas and found no further unauthorised material.

It has also reminded staff not to display external material without approval, instructed them to remove unauthorised leaflets, and required requests to distribute material to be referred to management. Regular checks of waiting areas will now form part of weekly administrative meetings.

A UKLFI spokesperson said:

“We welcome the Trust’s constructive response. Patients attending NHS appointments should not be confronted with inflammatory political propaganda, particularly material that may make Jewish patients feel intimidated or unwelcome.

“The NHS should be a place where everyone feels safe and respected, regardless of their background or beliefs. We are pleased that the Trust has taken practical steps to prevent similar incidents in future.”

This incident took place at around the same time as a similar occurrence at the Royal Free Hospital where the campaign group Global Health for Palestine has distributed inflammatory and extreme anti-Israel leaflets in public and patient areas on around 12 October 2026.  These leaflets also accused NHS managers of bullying and victimising staff who “express solidarity with Palestine” by wearing pro-Palestine badges and accessories.