A Bradford project that helps Muslim NHS staff observe Ramadan while at work has been recognised with a national equality award.

The Ramadan Allies initiative, created by the Spiritual Pastoral and Religious Care (SPaRC) Team at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, won the Impactful Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion, Team Award at the APNA NHS Awards held in Liverpool on Thursday the 16th of October.

The scheme aims to create a more inclusive working environment during Ramadan by helping staff balance their religious observance with their professional duties. Thanks to the project, Muslim colleagues are supported to fast, pray and take part in spiritual reflection while continuing to deliver vital care for patients.

The initiative has been supported by Bradford Hospitals Charity, which funds the distribution of ‘Fast Packs’ across the Trust. These packs include dates, water, a prayer timetable and a cool bag, helping staff to break their fasts quickly and comfortably at work.

In addition, ‘PROP Packs’ are given to non-Muslim allies and managers, containing everything needed to set up temporary prayer areas within wards or departments. 

This ensures that staff don’t have to travel long distances across hospital sites to access prayer facilities, allowing them to observe Ramadan fully without disrupting patient care.

Professor Mel Pickup, Chief Executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is wonderful recognition for a project that was voluntarily established by our SPaRC team and has gone from strength to strength. 

Thanks to their work, we now have close to 200 Ramadan Allies in our organisation, people helping Muslim colleagues to take part in Ramadan while continuing to deliver excellent services for patients and communities.”

She added that last year alone, 1,000 Fast Packs were distributed, reflecting the Trust’s commitment to inclusion and staff wellbeing.

The Ramadan Allies project has now attracted interest from more than 15 NHS trusts across the country looking to introduce similar schemes.

The APNA NHS Awards, run by the Asian Professionals National Alliance, recognise healthcare professionals and organisations that champion leadership, positive action and equality across the NHS.

Professor Pickup said the initiative had shown “how small acts of understanding and inclusion can have a huge impact on wellbeing and belonging in the workplace.”

The Trust’s SPaRC team continues to expand its work on faith and inclusion, ensuring colleagues from all backgrounds can bring their “whole selves” to work.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust employs more than 7,400 staff across several sites, including Bradford Royal Infirmary, St Luke’s Hospital, and local community hospitals at Westwood Park, Westbourne Green, and Eccleshill.