A group of Jewish nurses and midwives has convened for their first in-person meeting since Covid.

The Jewish Nurses and Midwives Association includes over 100 members working in hospitals and the social care sector across the UK.

Established by Sara Barnett and several other Jewish nurses in 1990, the group aims to support Jewish nurses and midwives and helps to facilitate training and social events.

It assists professionals in navigating Shabbat working hours and educates non-Jewish colleagues about the religious and cultural needs of Jewish patients.

“We are a professional, social, educational and support network with a unique understanding of the needs of our colleagues,” Barnett explained. 

In the last nine months, the network’s WhatsApp group has provided members with support as allegations of antisemitism among NHS staff have come to light. “Since October 2023, the networking and supportive aspect of our group has been vital. Members are relieved to find a group where they can be supported and advised on how to navigate adversity in their workplace.”

Barnett qualified as a nurse in 1985 and noted the scarcity of Jewish nurses at the time but has observed an increase in Jewish participation in nursing and midwifery over the years.

“Over the last ten years, it has been increasingly popular for Jewish students to go into nursing and midwifery. As it has been professionalised [nursing became a standardised degree in 2009] it has become more accessible to girls with Orthodox needs.”

Barnett added that Jewish nurses have benefited from NHS equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Barnett said that the Jewish nursing and midwifery group is “hugely diverse”, with male and female members from Charedi and Reform backgrounds: “We’re an incredibly special group of people, all nurses and midwives. This is something I am so proud of doing.”

Speakers discussed maternity care in Israel and the UK and attendees were able to meet representatives from Jewish health charities.

Jordanna Joseph, a midwife PhD student researching birth choices in Israel, and Elizabeth Barnett, an Israeli lawyer who researches maternity care, led a discussion on midwifery.

Daniel Gillis, chief executive of Camp Simcha and Louise Hager, chair of Chai Cancer Care spoke about their respective work, while Dr Fiona Sim from the Jewish Medical Association also spoke to the group.

To get involved with the Jewish Nurses and Midwives Association, contact Sara Barnett: sara@smbarnett.com