NHS to investigate health inequalities in Jewish community

The NHS has announced it will investigate health inequalities affecting Jewish communities for the first time.

It follows evidence of low immunisations, high Covid-19 rates and higher breast cancer risks within the community.

The evidence will be examined through a year-long review commissioned by the NHS Race and Health Observatory.

There are concerns that potential barriers and “blind spots”, combined with a lack of understanding of specific needs, are contributing to inadequate healthcare.

Dr Habib Naqvi, Director of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, said: “Deeper understanding is needed into why inequalities are continuing to persist for the Jewish population.

“There is clear evidence that culturally sensitive, tailored engagement and communication, delivered through the correct platforms, can yield positive results with increased access to health services and better health outcomes.

“This work will enable us to take another step towards ensuring healthcare services and interventions do not leave any of our communities behind.”

Professor David Katz, executive chair of the Jewish Medical Association, welcomed the review, saying: “The pandemic not only highlighted inequalities but also demonstrated that for interventions to be effective they need to be both evidence-based and community-based.”

As part of the review the observatory will work closely with the NHS Jewish Staff Network.