Assalamu’alaykum, It is my pleasure to be introducing the newsletter on what has been a bustling post-Ramadan period for BIMA. Many of you will have relished the opportunity to network and enjoy one of our recent regional Eid Social events. We look forward to an ever-expanding BIMA community insha’Allah!
This month our dedicated volunteers have been producing work on critical issues. Notably, we saw valuable discussions around Dying Matters Week, overcoming Islamophobia, and the introduction of a national review of NHS uniform policies. Moreover, as we eagerly approach the National Conference, JBIMA announced the final call for abstract submissions. As we ascend upon the Hajj season, we pray for all Muslims. Undoubtedly, our sincere duas remain with those afflicted in Gaza and elsewhere.
Dr Qasim Javed Vice Director, Senior Leadership Team Executive Committee
May Highlights
JBIMA Spring Edition 2024
JBIMA Spring Edition 2024 out now! The JBIMA team is proud to present its latest edition. Read for timely discussions around management of chronic conditions during the Hajj period, ethical considerations around AI in medicine and Islamic perspectives on disability rights.
Dying Matters Awareness Week took place from 6-12 May and focused on the way we talk about Dying Matters. Our End of Life team produced a poster set with valuable information and links to resources. Please visit our social media channels to see all posters and share them with your friends and families. Let's get the conversations started!
Skills Academy Masterclass
In our latest Skills Academy series for TeamBIMA volunteers, we hosted an insightful advocacy and influence webinar featuring distinguished guests Dr. Salman Waqar, BIMA President, and Dr. Shehla Imtiaz-Umer, a leading voice in BIMA Advocacy. They shared valuable strategies for effective advocacy. Our volunteers were equipped with practical tools and inspiration to enhance their advocacy efforts.
Overcoming Islamophobia
Dr Shehla Imtiaz-Umer did a presentation on Islamophobia to the CQC, receiving positive feedback for her thought-provoking and insightful talk. Attendees described it as "powerful," "bias interrupter," and "essential for understanding healthcare discrimination." We aim to expand our training to other organisations to address issues faced by Muslim HCPs.
Eid Socials
BIMA Regional Eid socials were a big success - in total, we had 300+ attendees in 8 family-friendly events up and down the country. We were honoured to have our colleagues who have volunteered in Gaza share their experiences in some of the events.
PCRF x BIMA webinar
Recording of this highly anticipated and popular webinar is now available on our YouTube channel. Hear from Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah, Dr. Mads Gilbert, Princess Dina Milred, and others on how to get involved and make a difference in the lives of Palestinian children.
BIMA was part of a group of sixteen medical organisations who presented their submission to the Health and Social Care Committee (HSCC), seeking change in the current disciplinary processes affecting NHS staff. Whilst doctors have been penalised when found to be guilty, Trusts have rarely been subjected to any form of scrutiny or disciplinary action when their actions may have been incorrect or misplaced. We propose that the government establish an independent and elected Scrutiny Panel with full statutory powers in each hospital.
The deadline for the abstract submission for the upcoming BIMA National Conference has been extended to 15th June 2024. Submit your 300-word abstract now for a chance to display your poster at the National BIMA Conference 2024. All participants will be issued a certificate, and prizes will be given to the winners.
BIMA has established a groundbreaking support clinic in response to challenges being faced by Muslim healthcare professionals. We are offering pastoral support, legal guidance, and a safe, confidential space through this clinic. Please consider joining our team in an honourary role to help us continue to provide this service. We are looking for clinical advisors and a legal support liaison officer to join our growing team.
BIMA is running a campaign to assess if organisations are aware of the 2020 NHS England Uniform Guidance. Your help will make a practical difference to hundreds of Muslim female healthcare professionals across the country. Please spare a few minutes to log onto your NHS Trust's intranet, search for your uniform policy and email it to women@britishima.org.
Upcoming Events
ACE DFT Induction 2024
BIMA's ACE Dental Foundation Training (DFT) Team is excited to host our annual online induction event on Saturday, the 27th of July 2024. We will be providing valuable insights into DFT and how to make the transition from university. Clinical tips, networking, and maintaining Islamic spiritual elements will be discussed by our vastly experienced team. Registration information will be coming out soon. We look forward to seeing you there insha’Allah!
National Conference 2024
Following the successful event from last year, we are excited to invite you to attend the most anticipated event of the year – The BIMA National Conference! This year is UNLIKE any other year! Our theme is Strength and Solidarity: Reviving the ties that unite us.
Call for NHS patients to contribute to a study about retention of staff in the NHS
The I-CARE project is looking into the reasons for staff leaving or staying in the NHS and aims to find ways to improve retention, particularly staff from ethnic minority groups.
They are seeking patients from diverse ethnicities, age, gender and medical conditions to share views on why adequate staffing levels are important.
Those selected to be on the panel will receive a £50 shopping voucher for each meeting attended as a thank you.
These groups are a chance to network and discuss topical issues with colleagues in your area(s) and/or region. To join, please email a request to join.
Become a Paying Member
Become a paying member today to help BIMA continue to do amazing work.
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