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jews: summary

In a hurry? Here is a list of the top tips for making Jewish patients and staff feel cared for according to their cultural needs.

patients

  • Remember to offer Jewish patients kosher food.
  • Some patients may need help with the ritual wash that they must perform before eating and praying.
  • Restrictions on the Sabbath and other holidays might affect the provision of healthcare for some Jewish patients.
  • Jewish law recognises a duty to seek and accept medical treatment to save life.
  • Remember to provide privacy as Jewish patients might need peace and quiet to pray.
  • Try to preserve the modesty of Jewish patients where possible.
  • There are many different and diverse groups collected together under the term 'Jewish'. Each has slightly different views on subjects that may affect healthcare.

healthcare staff

  • There is a need to avoid scheduling work on the Sabbath as far as possible for Jewish staff.
  • Remember that several Jewish holidays carry similar work restrictions to those for the Sabbath, and so Jewish staff may require different schedules for those dates.
  • Staff will need to have kosher food provided in the staff canteen.
  • The acceptability of individual treatments or procedures will be influenced by the type of Judaism practised by staff. Discuss any issues arising from the provision of healthcare with individual staff.

want to contribute?

So that we can ensure this resource is as relevant as possible, please advise us of additional information about aspects of healthcare and ethnic communities, or experience as a member of staff from an ethnic group. You can send us comments and information via our feedback form.