NHS trust urged to investigate leaflets distributed outside London hospital

A Jewish legal organisation has called on a leading London hospital trust to investigate the distribution of campaign leaflets taking issue with antisemitism measures, warning that the material, which has been actively distributed outside one of its sites, could contribute to a hostile environment for Jewish staff and patients.

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) has written to University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) after activists handed out leaflets near University College Hospital on 17 June opposing the Government’s plans to implement recommendations from Lord Mann’s review into antisemitism in the NHS.

The leaflet, titled Hands Off Our Health Workers, claims the review will ban Palestinian symbols in healthcare settings, prevent criticism of Israel and introduce what it describes as “pro-Israel indoctrination” through staff training.

UKLFI said the claims do not reflect the contents of the review and could mislead NHS staff, patients and visitors.

Lord Mann’s review, published earlier this month, found evidence of what it described as “routine ostracism” of some Jewish NHS staff and patients. It highlighted reports of Jewish medics experiencing discrimination from colleagues, and some Jewish patients delaying treatment or concealing their identity because of concerns about antisemitism.

Among its recommendations were mandatory antisemitism training for NHS leaders, clearer guidance on workplace conduct and uniforms, improved accountability for tackling racism, and measures aimed at ensuring staff and patients can access healthcare free from discrimination.

The organisation has also raised concerns about references in the leaflet to Lord Mann as a “Zionist” and descriptions of his review as “racist”.

In a letter to UCLH chief executive David Probert, UKLFI asked whether the trust was aware of the leaflet distribution, whether permission had been granted and what steps were being taken to prevent hospital premises being used for political campaigning.

The leaflet further encourages patients to wear pro-Palestinian symbols when attending NHS appointments and to make complaints against NHS organisations that seek to maintain politically neutral workplaces.

UKLFI argued that patients should be able to receive treatment in an environment free from political activism and warned that campaign material linked to a divisive international conflict could make some Jewish patients and staff feel unwelcome.

Lord Mann has previously said NHS staff should not wear political badges supporting either Israel or Palestine while at work and should not take part in political demonstrations while wearing NHS uniforms. The Government has accepted all of the review’s recommendations, saying the reforms are intended to protect Jewish, Muslim, Black and other minority ethnic staff and patients alike.

The organisation also pointed to NHS bodies’ obligations under the Equality Act 2010 to protect staff and service users from harassment and discrimination connected to protected characteristics, including religion and ethnicity.

A spokesperson for UKLFI said: “Hospitals should be places where patients receive treatment free from political campaigning and intimidation. It is deeply worrying that activists are distributing material outside NHS premises which misrepresents efforts to tackle antisemitism and uses language that many Jewish patients and staff will find hostile and offensive. NHS organisations must ensure that their premises remain welcoming and inclusive for everyone.”

The leaflet appears to be linked to Global Health BDS for Palestine, a group opposing the implementation of Lord Mann’s recommendations.

UCLH and Lord Mann have been approached for comment.