The facility has been created in a deal with Hackney’s Orthodox community and its Gezint organisation, which bridges the gaps between the Jewish population and the NHS.
The formal opening was made by Hackney’s Mayor Caroline Woodley and the council’s cabinet member for health and adult social care Cllr Chris Kennedy.
They were joined by the hospital trust’s chair Mary Elford and chief executive Bas Sadiq. Members of Homerton’s chaplaincy team and 20 staff from the wards joined in, along with Orthodox community leaders like The Rev Efrayim Goldstein and Rabbi Isaak Kohn.
Gezint has worked with Homerton Healthcare trust to provide a kosher kitchenette in the Starlight ward that is available round the clock.
A fully-stocked kosher pantry has also been set up in the birth delivery suite for Orthodox mothers and an ice machine in the Templar staff room.
The new arrangements reflect the healthcare trust’s commitment to inclusive care “respecting the diverse needs of the Hackney communities”.
Gazint aims to bring familiarity and respite for patients and their families by providing kosher food, refreshments and necessities. Their work supports both minority communities and the general public.
The organisation now runs facilities in 16 London hospitals, including the Homerton.
The Healthcare trust is working with Gezint and other grassroots bodies to make sure all patients “feel welcomed, respected and supported” when they walk through the door.