The NHS is set to curb the display of political symbols on staff uniforms following a government-ordered review that found Jewish patients and staff face 'routine ostracism' in the health service. The report by Lord Mann, the government's adviser on antisemitism, highlights that some Jewish patients hide their identity and staff 'suffer in silence' due to anti-Jewish hatred.
Lord Mann's 60-page report, due to be published on Thursday, warns that antisemitism is so rife in the NHS that it threatens the service's universality, with Jews lacking confidence they will receive proper treatment. It cites 'shocking examples of intimidation and abuse' and notes that some Jewish patients have delayed or avoided seeking care.
In response, the NHS will mandate antisemitism training for the chairs and chief executives of all 205 health trusts in England within six months. The measures will also target other forms of racism and discrimination, including Islamophobia and racism against black and ethnic minority staff.
The review was commissioned by Wes Streeting last year when he was health secretary, following reports of antisemitic comments by doctors. Two doctors, Manoj Sen and Mohammed Asif Munaf, have been struck off the medical register for antisemitic behaviour. Another doctor, Rahmeh Aladwan, is due to stand trial on charges of supporting Hamas and stirring up racial hatred.
Jewish staff are the only religious group in the NHS workforce reporting growing discrimination from colleagues, according to the latest staff survey. Some have considered quitting the service due to distress. The General Medical Council received 779 complaints of alleged antisemitism by UK doctors between October 2023 and December 2025, often related to social media posts.
