LONDON – A surgeon at the Royal Free Hospital in north London wore a Palestinian flag badge while performing surgery on a Jewish patient last month, leaving her “extremely distressed,” according to reports from The Telegraph. The patient said she felt the doctor’s political views could affect her care.
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UK Lawyers for Israel, contacted by the patient, accused the hospital of breaching equality laws. They argued that displaying the badge could create a hostile environment under Section 29(3) of the Equality Act 2010 and violate General Medical Council rules by prioritizing political opinions over patient care.
The hospital’s CEO, David Crampsey, said the concerns are under review and any appropriate action would be considered. Staff were reminded of the NHS principle of political neutrality.
This incident comes amid broader NHS efforts to restrict staff from displaying pro-Palestinian symbols after complaints from Jewish patients at multiple London hospitals, including Barts Health Trust, where similar bans have been implemented.
The General Medical Council and the Royal Free London NHS Trust have been approached for further comment.
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