Bradford Hospitals Ramadan Allies Project Wins National Award
October 22, 2025Inclusive initiative recognised at APNA NHS Awards
A project supporting Muslim staff during Ramadan at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has received national recognition. The Ramadan Allies project was awarded the Impactful Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion – Team Award at the Asian Professionals National Alliance (APNA) NHS Awards held in Liverpool.
About the Ramadan Allies project
The Ramadan Allies initiative was developed by the Trust’s Spiritual Pastoral and Religious Care (SPaRC) Team. It aims to foster an inclusive working environment where Muslim staff can observe Ramadan while fulfilling their professional duties. The project promotes wellbeing and supports staff to bring their whole selves to work.
Key elements of the project include:
- Fast Packs: Distributed across the Trust, these packs contain dates, water, a prayer timetable, and a cool bag to assist fasting staff during Ramadan.
- PROP Packs: Provided to workplace allies and managers, these enable the creation of prayer areas within wards or departments, reducing the need for staff to leave their work areas and minimising disruption to patient care.
Impact and recognition
Professor Mel Pickup, Chief Executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, commented on the award, highlighting the voluntary efforts of the SPaRC team in establishing the project. He noted that nearly 200 Ramadan Allies are now active within the organisation, supporting Muslim colleagues during Ramadan while maintaining service delivery.
In the previous year, approximately 1,000 Fast Packs were distributed throughout the Trust, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive wellbeing initiatives.
The Ramadan Allies project has attracted interest from over 15 other NHS trusts considering similar schemes. The APNA NHS Awards celebrate individuals and teams demonstrating leadership and positive action in equality, diversity, and inclusion within health and social care.
About APNA NHS
The Asian Professionals National Alliance (APNA) NHS is a voluntary organisation comprising health and social care professionals of South Asian heritage working in the NHS and local authorities. More information about APNA NHS can be found on their website: www.apna-nhs.org.
