Exclusive: Hospital’s ‘unconscious bias’ training leaves out racism against Jews

Steen explained the session – one of several from mid-July to September – would help create “a truly anti-racist working environment” and allow staff to “recognise and respond to microaggressions, gain tools to challenge bias, and explore how we can act as allies”.

According to an attendee of the webinar, who spoke to the JC, the two-hour training included examples of anti-LGBT+ prejudice and bias relating to Muslim-sounding names, but – despite featuring dozens of case studies of other forms of hate – did not reference a single mention of antisemitism.

The Moorfields’ staff member, who did not want to be identified for fear of professional repercussions, said they were “disgusted” that anti-Jewish racism had not been addressed in the session.

The session followed the publication of the Board of Deputies Commission on Antisemitism, which recommended that all NHS trusts receive “basic training on contemporary antisemitism”. The report also called for any equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) training to include education on antisemitism “as a requirement”.

Chair of the Jewish Medical Association, Professor David Katz, questioned if, by not including antisemitism in the unconscious bias training, Moorfields “may be expressing unconscious bias… setting an example which all can recognise for use in future training courses on the subject.”

Following the JC’s enquiries and a complaint from a participant in the session, Moorfields’ trust and the training provider said that future sessions will address anti-Jewish hatred.

A Moorfields Eye Hospital spokesperson said: “This new course has been designed and delivered by an external agency to address a range of generic forms of racism and unconscious bias, using examples to illustrate its impact.

"Following reflections and feedback we have worked with the provider to ensure antisemitism is referenced in future sessions.”

Diversity Marketplace said: “At Diversity Marketplace we believe there is no place for antisemitism either in the workplace or in society at large. We help organisations create inclusive cultures which value and respect every member of staff.

“Most of the training programmes we deliver are bespoke to our clients’ briefs. Our training platforms create safe spaces to allow participants to share their lived experiences anonymously to facilitate learning and empathy for each cause.

“Feedback received from delegates helps inform changes required by clients to training content.”

The JC revealed earlier this month that a Moorfields’ consultant ophthalmologist, Michel Michaelides, re-posted denials that rape occurred during the Hamas-led massacre on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Michaelides also retweeted posts on X from the notorious academic David Miller, calling for former IDF soldiers to be “prosecuted” and “De-Zionised in every country from South Africa to the US and Canda and from Argentina to the UK and France”.

In a statement to the JC, Michaelides said: “As a medic, I naturally care deeply about the humanitarian situation in the Middle East.

“However, I have no truck whatsoever with antisemitism, which I abhor. I treat all adults and children with the same compassion, respect and care - no matter what their background or beliefs.

“I don't recall these specific retweets, but when I used social media, I sometimes retweeted things to draw attention to, rather than endorse, other people's views.

"In view of the context your newspaper has shared with me, I would think differently about them. I am mortified that anyone could have been upset by anything I shared and I no longer use social media.”

A spokesperson for Moorfields Eye Hospital said: “We do not condone offensive or discriminatory behaviour, language or views. When we were made aware of these retweets, we immediately spoke to the account holder and made sure they were deleted.”