The NHS is set to restrict political symbols on staff uniforms and provide antisemitism training to trust leaders following a government-ordered review that found Jewish patients and staff face 'routine ostracism' within the health service. The review, led by Lord Mann, the government's adviser on antisemitism, highlights 'shocking examples of intimidation and abuse' and warns that antisemitism threatens the NHS's universal basis.
Lord Mann's 60-page report, published on Thursday, reveals that some Jewish patients have delayed or avoided treatment due to fear of prejudice, while Jewish staff report growing discrimination from colleagues. The latest NHS staff survey found that Jewish employees are the only religious group experiencing increased workplace discrimination, with some considering leaving the service.
The report recommends mandatory anti-racism training, including antisemitism, for chairs and chief executives of all 205 NHS trusts in England within six months. It also calls for NHS providers to become the 'first line of defence against racism and discrimination' for both patients and staff.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting commissioned the review last year after reports of doctors making antisemitic comments. Two doctors, Manoj Sen and Mohammed Asif Munaf, have been struck off the medical register for antisemitic behaviour, while another, Rahmeh Aladwan, faces trial for inviting support for Hamas and stirring up racial hatred.
The General Medical Council received 779 complaints of alleged antisemitism by UK doctors between October 2023 and December 2025, often related to social media posts. The review's measures aim to address all forms of racism, including Islamophobia and racism against black and minority ethnic staff.
