The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims defines Islamophobia as: “a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” This definition highlights that Islamophobia extends beyond individual prejudice to encompass systemic discrimination, where Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim face hostility and barriers in various aspects of life.

Islamophobia can manifest in different ways in healthcare settings, impacting both Muslim patients and staff. 

Patient Care Disparities

Islamophobia in healthcare can affect how Muslim patients are treated. For example, some healthcare professionals may hold stereotypical views about Muslim beliefs and behaviours, impacting clinical interactions. Muslim women who wear the hijab may experience dismissive or judgmental attitudes, leading to a lack of trust in their healthcare providers and reluctance to seek care. For Muslim patients, the fear of being discriminated against can deter them from accessing healthcare or being candid about their needs and concerns. This can lead to delayed treatment and poorer health outcomes

Muslim staff impacted by Islamophobia

Muslim healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals may face Islamophobia from patients or even other staff members. Discrimination can take the form of derogatory comments, being overlooked for promotions, or inadequate provisions for religious observances, such as prayer or fasting accommodations. This creates a hostile work environment, affecting not only job satisfaction and mental health, but also potentially career pathway and career progression. In the most extreme cases, Islamophobia can take the form of harassment or even violence against staff. 

When Islamophobia is left unchallenged, it compromises the quality of care for Muslim patients, while also diminishing the morale and safety of Muslim staff. Ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their faith, feel safe and respected is essential for retaining staff and delivering high-quality healthcare.

We are urging all organisations to take steps to tackle Islamophobia in Healthcare and commit to three key areas to plant the “Seeds of Change” necessary to tackle Islamophobia and better support staff and patients:  Education and Awareness, Support for Muslim Staff and Patients and Inclusive Policies and Practice. 

Pledge

We pledge to take action against Islamophobia and create an inclusive, equitable environment for all patients and staff. Our commitment includes:

1. Fostering Awareness and Education:
   We will provide regular training and resources for all staff on Islamophobia and cultural competency to increase understanding of Islamophobia, its impact, and ways to actively challenge discrimination in the workplace.
2. Supporting Muslim Staff and Patients:
   Alongside providing religious accommodations and creating safe spaces for dialogue, we will establish and promote clear, accessible mechanisms for reporting incidents of Islamophobia alongside other forms of discrimination and ensure that those affected receive comprehensive support and protection from further harm.
3. Creating Inclusive Policies and Practices:
   We will review and revise organisational policies to ensure they reflect a zero-tolerance stance on Islamophobia, and are promoting inclusivity in every aspect of our healthcare services.

Read more about our work on Islamophobia Awareness here.