A review led by Lord John Mann has uncovered that Jewish patients and staff within the NHS feel compelled to hide their religious identity and 'suffer in silence' due to antisemitism. The investigation, commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), revealed instances of 'routine ostracism' experienced by some Jewish employees, leading them to consider leaving the health service. The report is also expected to highlight that some patients have expressed reluctance to seek or have delayed treatment.
Key Findings and Recommendations
Lord Mann's recommendations, which have not yet been publicly released, are scheduled to be presented to Parliament on Thursday. The DHSC confirmed that a new staff standard will be introduced, while mandatory anti-racism training for NHS trust chairs and chief executives, explicitly covering antisemitism, will be rolled out within six months.
Training Updates
Existing mandatory training for 1.5 million NHS staff will also be updated to include 'quality-assured content' on both antisemitism and anti-Muslim hostility. Health Secretary James Murray has promised swift action in response to the findings.
