Standing together against religiously motivated hate

By Hasan Reza, Head of Workforce Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Health and Wellbeing.

I want to take a moment to reflect on the Lord Mann review on antisemitism and other forms of racism in the NHS and what it means for us here at Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust. 

The review is both important and challenging. It asks us to be honest about something that is not easy to acknowledge. While the NHS strives to be a place of compassion, dignity and respect, this is not always the experience for every colleague or patient. 

Religiously motivated hate, in all its forms, including antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred, continues to exist in our services and in wider society, and we are not immune to that. Recognising this openly is an essential step if we are to create meaningful change. 

What is particularly stark in the review is the experience of Jewish colleagues, with evidence of ‘routine ostracism’ and rising discrimination. Some staff reported feeling unable to be open about their identity at work, and some patients have delayed or avoided care due to concerns about how they may be treated.  

For me, as a member of a minority sect (Shia, approx. 15 per cent of the global Muslim community), this is truly heartbreaking. My sect has been highly persecuted across the globe and sadly, many in my community know someone who has been attacked or killed for their beliefs. I have experienced firsthand the fear of sharing your identity with others. I would not wish that on anyone else. 

NHS Staff Survey data shows that colleagues from Black, Asian and diverse ethnic backgrounds also experience discrimination. More recent events have highlighted the experiences of our Sikh communities, with reports of increased fear and intimidation. These experiences remind us that discrimination can affect colleagues and patients across all religions. And those of none. 

The review has also sparked important conversations about maintaining trust and neutrality within healthcare settings. Lord Mann referenced the impact political symbolism, badges or messaging  can have on patients and families, particularly if this affects how safe or comfortable they feel accessing care.  

His point, made in a fair and non-partisan way, was not about restricting personal faith or identity, but about recognising that the NHS must always strive to be a place where everyone feels confident they will be treated with fairness, compassion and respect, regardless of their background or beliefs. 

At KCHFT, our commitment is clear. Through our Nobody Left Behind approach, we are working to make sure that equity, diversity, inclusion, health and wellbeing are part of how we deliver care every day and how we interact with one another as colleagues. This means creating a culture where everyone feels they belong and where barriers are actively addressed. 

NHS England has accepted the review’s recommendations in full, with a clear focus on leadership, accountability and training. For us, that means continuing to build on the work already underway, supporting colleagues, listening to lived experience and acting on what we hear. 

Tackling hate is not about policies alone. It is about culture, how we treat one another, how we challenge behaviour and how we support colleagues and patients when they need it most.