A family has been left “devastated” after a London hospital cut a 91-year-old Sikh man’s beard without permission, resulting in a breach of his religious beliefs. The vulnerable man had a mini stroke, leaving him unable to communicate or be aware of his surroundings sometimes, his family noted. The incident occurred at a major hospital in west London during a routine sponge bath. In the Sikh religion, hair is sacred, and the Sikh code of conduct forbids cutting or shaving any body hair for initiated Sikhs. Medical staff claimed that the beard was trimmed as food was stuck in it.
The patient’s family visits him every day since he has been in the hospital for the last four weeks. Upon seeing her grandfather, a family member from London, Keisha Sethi, was “gobsmacked”. The woman’s aunt was in tears, her father was “frustrated,” and if the grandfather could react, he would be “furious,” she said. Consequently, she felt “so helpless” and desired to spread awareness that “everyone’s belief systems need to be respected, and the same level of care needs to be provided, no matter what the person’s ethnic background is.” The location was ethnically diverse, Ms Sethi pointed out, and the staff must be knowledgeable of the religious beliefs.
The hospital, which was not named for security reasons, apologised for the incident caused by a “genuine error” and noted that it was taking the matter “very seriously.” The man’s family noted that doctors and staff had apologised and understood that they had tried to do the right thing, but “because of our beliefs and our culture, it was the worst thing they could have done.” They added in their statement, “Awareness needs to be out there, and staff need to go through training before they’re put on the floor dealing with ethnic minorities.”
The case has ignited the conversation about healthcare professionals’ training and awareness of religious and cultural customs. Sikh leaders have demanded that hospital workers undergo mandatory religious sensitivity training to avoid future violations of beliefs. They have also urged hospitals to engage with religious communities to address concerns, ensure compliance, and establish a better approach to religious needs for patients
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