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jews: care of inpatients

In general, Reform and Liberal Jews will recognise that their medical needs and their religious duties may conflict, and that the saving and preserving of life takes precedence over any other duty. This allows them, for example, to accept treatment on the Sabbath, to accept potentially non-kosher medication and to be examined by healthcare staff of the opposite gender.

Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox Jews will also recognise that saving life is of primary importance; however, if their life is not at risk, they will try to uphold as many of the Jewish laws as possible while in hospital. To accommodate their needs, care must be taken in the following areas:

mixed wards

Orthodox Jews have strict guidelines about modesty and would prefer to be accommodated in single-gender wards. If this is not possible, being placed on a single-gender side ward would be a reasonable compromise. Reform Jews are not as strict on this point, but may also appreciate being in single-gender areas.

kosher food and medicines

This is one area where all Jewish patients will agree. Nowadays, most hospitals will provide a kosher menu for Jewish staff and patients to choose from; it is important to inform the kitchens of the need for such a menu when a Jewish patient is admitted.

Reform Jews will not have a problem with taking most medicines without questioning their kosher status. However, for Orthodox patients, the kashrut rules apply equally to food and medicines, and so wherever possible a kosher alternative must be offered.

prayer

Jews usually say prayers three times a day and a grace after a meal. At least once a day, a male Jew will dress himself in his tefillin for prayer and meditation. During this time, patients require peace and privacy. If possible, either offer them the use of a quiet room or at least draw the curtains around their bed. Make sure that they are not disturbed by other patients or staff at these times.

observing the Sabbath

The Sabbath is a holy day, and its holy status restricts what a Jewish person may do during the day. It begins at sunset on Friday and lasts through to after sunset on Saturday. It is important to discuss with your patients their requirements for help on the Sabbath; some may be relaxed about observing the Sabbath, while others may be strictly observant of the restrictions and be unable to turn lights on or off, write letters or sign their name to forms.

Certainly for most Jewish patients, it is a good idea to avoid scheduling operations and procedures for Friday afternoon or any time on Saturday, and this time should also be avoided when discharging a patient as restrictions are also placed on travelling. Friends and family may visit after sunset on Saturday, so extended visiting hours may be needed. Patients may also request a visit from their rabbi; staff may want to take time out to visit the hospital rabbi (if one is in attendance).

ritual washing

Orthodox Jews might wish to wash themselves before and after eating, and before prayer. Running water is required for this; if it is impossible for the patient to get out of bed to a washroom, then a basin and jug of water make a good alternative. During their ablutions, they will not be able to answer questions and should be given privacy.

Reform Jews may be less strict about ritual washing, but this should be discussed with the patient as part of their care plan.

holiday restrictions

Some holidays carry restrictions similar to those for the Sabbath, and a couple of holidays also require fasting. As the holidays do not have a fixed date, it is important to bear them in mind when arranging appointments, visits, operations and other procedures for Jewish patients, and also to consider Jewish staff members when arranging shift work.

physical examinations

Although most Jews will probably accept a physical examination being carried out by a member of the opposite gender, older patients and those from more Orthodox communities may not be so happy about this. Discuss this issue with your patient and if there is a compromise (perhaps having a family member or chaperone present may help) then stick to it – and write it up in the patient's notes.

More information about physical examinations can be found on this site.

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