Staff at NHS hospitals have reportedly worn pro-Palestinian clothing and badges at work.
The events, which have been described as “intimidating and distressing”, prompted Barts Health NHS Trust to review its dress code.
According to the UK Lawyers of Israel (UKLFI), several incidents have been reported in recent weeks, including the case of an elderly Jewish man who was deeply disturbed after seeing staff members wearing a Palestinian pin while he was being treated at Saint-Barthélemy hospital.
Another incident occurred at Whipps Cross Hospital, where a dialysis patient photographed a student wearing a Palestinian football jersey.
Patients felt ‘distressed’ to see staff wearing Palestinian pins
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When the patient complained about his shirt, the nurses threatened to stop treating him if he didn’t delete the photo.
A Newham hospital assistant is also reported to have worn a Palestinian football shirt, and many other hospital staff are said to have worn “Free Palestine” badges over the past year.
Britain’s lawyers for Israel said that by allowing this dress, the trust’s NHS staff were creating an “intimidating, hostile and offensive environment for Israeli or Jewish patients and staff”.
They claimed it was inappropriate for staff to display their political views and was a potential breach of the Equality Act as patients faced harassment based on their race, religion or beliefs .
The organization has written to NHS hospitals warning that staff carrying Palestinian flags could dissuade Jewish patients from revealing their nationality or religion for fear of being harmed.
In response, Barts presented a review of its uniform policy, which was originally due to be revised next October.
UKLFI’s Caroline Turner said: “It is particularly concerning that some staff wearing Palestinian flag badges are in senior positions, setting a very poor example for other staff. »
“It is important that hospitals foster an environment of neutrality. In such a diverse workplace, political protests can create division and unease.
Barts decided to review its uniform policy due to complaints
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She added that they were happy to hear that Barts Trust was reviewing the dress code and looked forward to receiving the new version and having it enforced.
A spokesperson for the trust said: “Our uniform policy makes it clear that all staff, including students, must wear appropriate uniform to give patients confidence that they will be treated positively and professional. »
“We are revising the policy to provide additional guidance on the use of political symbols in the workplace.”
In June, Victoria Atkins, then the UK’s health secretary, was working to ban Palestinian badges from the NHS, a move she was “determined to develop”.