Several major hospitals in London have banned staff from wearing pro-Palestinian symbols after complaints from patients who found them distressing.
The decision applies to all five hospitals under Barts Health NHS Trust: St Bartholomew’s, Mile End, Newham, Royal London, and Whipps Cross.
The policy change follows reports from Jewish patients who felt uncomfortable seeing medical staff displaying Palestinian badges, lanyards, or symbols. One Jewish woman who underwent a caesarean at Whipps Cross Hospital in January described feeling vulnerable after seeing multiple staff members wearing pro-Palestinian symbols, including “Free Palestine” badges and a watermelon pin. She expressed concerns about potential bias in her care, especially given the rise in anti-Semitic incidents.
Other patients also reported feeling uneasy. A Jewish dialysis patient at Whipps Cross in November saw a work experience student wearing a football shirt featuring a map of Palestine. An elderly Jewish patient at St Bartholomew’s Hospital was also reportedly distressed by a staff member displaying a Palestinian badge.
UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), a pro-Israel advocacy group, raised these concerns with the NHS trust, warning that allowing political symbols could violate the Equality Act 2010 and contribute to a hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli patients.
In response, Barts Health NHS Trust reviewed its dress code and introduced a ban on political symbols in the workplace. Dr. Amanjit Jhund, chief executive of Whipps Cross University Hospital, confirmed the policy change, stating that staff should not wear clothing, badges, or lanyards with political slogans or national flags. The hospital emphasized that political neutrality is essential to maintaining an inclusive environment for all patients.
A spokesperson for Barts Health NHS Trust confirmed that the updated uniform policy has been reissued to staff across all five hospitals.