The prime minister highlighted recently the need for us to focus on addressing anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and all forms of racism in the NHS. With over 100,000 people working in the health and care system in West Yorkshire, many with protected characteristics, these issues impact upon their health and wellbeing every day. They also affect the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve.
For those who doubt the veracity or impact of these issues, there was a high-profile incident last week at one of our NHS trusts. A completely unacceptable hate incident occurred in the faith centre at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds, when a copy of the Holy Quran and a framed print of a chapter from the Holy Quran were desecrated.
We are grateful for the response from the CEO, Brendan Brown to this incident. The trust has taken immediate actions to ensure the safety of colleagues and is working with West Yorkshire Police in their investigation. The security at all faith centres and faith rooms has been assessed and security has been increased in these areas, including the installation of new security cameras and new secure entry systems. A task and finish group has been set up to address this and other incidences of islamophobia that have happened within the trust over recent months. This will be extended to cover all aspects of faith, belief and inclusivity.
Unfortunately, this act of hate based on Islam is part of a bigger problem, as hate crimes have been rising a lot in recent months. This incident was especially upsetting because it attacked an important part of Muslim people's lives—specifically, their faith.
For many Muslims, religion is a key part of who they are and how they connect with others. When they face hostility, especially in places like healthcare where they should feel cared for and safe, it can cause feelings of fear and vulnerability. It also highlights growing worries about the increase in anti-Muslim hate, which can make staff feel uncomfortable and pushed to the edges. Events like this affect not just the person involved but can also have a wider impact on colleagues and the community, damaging trust and making people feel unsafe or unheard.
The rise in faith-related hate crimes affects many communities, including not only the Muslim and Jewish communities, but anyone who appears different. No one should have to experience or hear about these kinds of actions. Our Partnership board is absolutely committed to creating a system where everyone feels safe, valued and supported, regardless of their background, faith or identity.
At times like these, we need to be clear on what we stand for in West Yorkshire. In February 2025, we launched Power of one, power of many – working together for equity and fairness - a clear and ambitious strategy to strengthen our work in tackling health inequalities and to further establish ourselves as an anti-racist health and care system. The strategy sets out how equity, fairness, diversity, inclusion and justice will remain central to NHS leadership and service delivery. It also provides us with a framework to be accountable, ensuring that the pledges we make are matched by measurable progress we can share with our communities.
We are very proud to be an anti-racist system and a system of sanctuary. We believe that everyone has the right to access high-quality, welcoming and safe healthcare services and to work in a safe and inclusive environment. That’s why we pledge to:
- value our diverse population and commit to meeting the needs of all of our staff and wider communities
- ensure that all leaders in the Partnership are role models and allies, dedicated to promoting fairness, respect and equal opportunities, actively supporting others and standing up for what is right
- continue meaningful engagement with our partners and stakeholders including health, local authorities and police
- provide guidance and support to staff and facilitate safe channels for reporting incidents, ensuring that organisations and individuals alike know where to turn to if needed
- continue to ensure staff and volunteers have access to advice and support, including wellbeing guidance and training on managing challenging situations, for example through our We Stand Together resources.
If you’ve been impacted by any kind of faith hate crime, please remember that support is available, for example through chaplaincy services, staff networks, line management or your organisation’s intranet. You can also find information on the Partnership website. At times like these, the support of colleagues is invaluable. Please look out for one another and ask how we’re doing - this simple act does make a difference.
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