Talk 2 Impact of NHS England uniform policies on Muslim female healthcare professionals

Abstract

Background The ‘2020 NHS England Uniform and Workwear: guidance for NHS employers’ has made clear provision for religious head coverings in theatre and adjustments to bare below elbow (BBE) rules. However, there is great variability in how this guidance is implemented in local uniform policies. There is limited understanding as to how this affects Muslim women in healthcare.

Methods A quantitative self-completed cross-sectional survey was conducted online via Qualtrics software over a period of one month from 31/08/2024 to 30/09/2024. Muslim female healthcare professionals or healthcare students in NHS England since April 2020 were eligible to take part. All responses were recorded anonymously. HRA approval was not required.

Results Provisional results show a total of 430 responses were received. Of the respondents, 35% were doctors, 28% were medical/dental students, 11% were nurses and 26% were other healthcare professionals. 27% of those that work in theatres were prevented from wearing their headscarf. 72% of respondents had been asked to be BBE when not engaged in direct patient care activity. 47% felt they were treated differently at work due to the uniform policy. Due to hospital uniform policies, 46% felt their mental health had been affected with 33% having considered changing job roles and 31% having considered leaving the NHS. Furthermore, 66% did not feel comfortable raising concerns with their supervisors.

Conclusion NHS England uniform policies are having a profound impact on Muslim female healthcare professionals. There is a pressing need to increase awareness and implement national guidance more widely.