Barts and The London NHS Trust is urging Muslims to look after their health and attend scheduled medical appointments during the month of Ramadan.

Lead Cancer Nurse, Nuala Close has expressed concern that some Muslim patients may inadvertently miss their cancer screening or other urgent medical appointments while focused on their religious obligations.

Ms Close said: "We have noticed a spike in missed appointments during Ramadan over the past couple of years, something that we would like to address to ensure our patients are seen urgently when they are being referred by their GP's. This is an issue not unique to our Trust but to other areas in the UK with a high Muslim population.

"Some of our Muslim patients may not realise the importance of attending their appointment, particularly those who have been referred to us from their GP with a suspected cancer diagnosis. It is important that these patients are seen within two weeks of their referral to the Trust.

"Patients need to understand that they are taking an unnecessary risk with their health if they miss their appointment, as to wait until the end of Ramadan could have serious consequences on their health.

"Screening tests help save lives by detecting cancers early when treatment can be more effective. Putting off clinic appointments for several weeks can really make the difference to the outcome for patients who are subsequently diagnosed with cancer."

Ms Close added: "With a large community in East London, Muslims make up a large proportion of the patients we see at all three of our hospitals, The Royal London, The London Chest and Barts; we want to make sure they stay healthy during and beyond Ramadan."

The Trust's Muslim chaplain Jusna Begum said: "Islamic law exempts the elderly, the ill, young children, pregnant women and nursing mothers from Ramadan's requirements. Patients undergoing treatment for many different diseases may be required to eat or drink prior to taking their medication or undergo investigations. It is essential that our Muslim patients follow the strict medication guidance in the knowledge that they are not breaking their religious beliefs. I ask all Muslims to make their health a priority and attend any scheduled appointments."

A representative from The Muslim Council of Britain said: "We urge all fellow Muslim brothers and sisters not to make their own decisions to alter doses or timings of medications without the guidance from their doctors or pharmacists through out the holy month of Ramadan and beyond. We also urge local health practitioners to liaise with mosques and Islamic centres to educate the public on this important information during Ramadan fasting."

Source
Barts and The London