Islamophobia is a form of racism that targets individuals through actual or perceived “Muslimness”, including religion, dress, names, appearance, or cultural identity.
It operates through racialised and cultural stereotypes and is not confined to individual prejudice.
In healthcare, Islamophobia is experienced through everyday interactions, institutional practices, and organisational cultures.
Evidence from peer-reviewed research and frontline surveys shows:
These experiences are frequently minimised or denied when concerns are raised, placing an additional emotional burden on staff.
Recent data illustrate the scale of the problem. In BIMA’s post-2024 survey of nearly 300 healthcare workers:
reported long-standing experiences of Islamophobia in the workplace
experienced or witnessed Islamophobic or racist incidents within a three-week period
feel unsafe travelling to work and almost one-third feeling unsafe at work during this time
Islamophobia is often obscured within healthcare systems.
Religion is not consistently recorded in workforce data, and anti-Muslim discrimination is rarely named explicitly. This limits accountability and undermines healthcare organisations’ statutory duties under equality, human rights, and fair employment legislation across the UK, including the Equality Act 2010 (England, Wales and Scotland), Northern Ireland equality and fair employment law, and the Human Rights Act 1998.
At BIMA, we address Islamophobia in healthcare through evidence-based training, research and awareness-raising.
Our work supports healthcare organisations and professionals to recognise Islamophobia, understand its structural nature, and create safer, more inclusive environments for staff and patients.
Need immediate support? Our confidential support line is here for you if you want to speak with our team directly.
