Supporting our Muslim colleagues… Trust launches wudhu facility at Fieldhead Hospital
The Trust is getting ready for Ramadan with the opening of a new wudhu (ablution) facility at Fieldhead Hospital.
The first of its kind for the Trust, it will support Muslim colleagues, patients, and visitors with the facility to do wudhu, the ritual washing before prayers. The purpose-built unit, located opposite the prayer room/chapel, features a fully operational wash basin with seating, cupboard for wash jugs and storage for shoes/footwear.
Mark Brooks, chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to launch the brand-new wudhu facility at Fieldhead, the first of its kind for our Trust. We listened to feedback from our Muslim colleagues about what they require to pray whilst at work. With the holy month of Ramadan almost upon us, it is the perfect opportunity to launch this fantastic facility to provide support to our colleagues and enable them to perform their prayers comfortably and peacefully. Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this project together”.
The project was the result of joint efforts from estates and facilities and equality and involvement teams, acting on feedback and requests from colleagues, patients and visitors to have a suitable facility in place for washing before prayers.
Susan Larrad, facilities officer, added: “It’s been an honour to be involved in this project and I am delighted we have been able to provide this facility, because I know just how important this is for Muslims, their belief and to help make their everyday life easier whilst at work. It was a real team effort from our estates and facilities team, working alongside other teams and colleagues within the Trust to bring everything together. As part of the project, we linked in with Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust who have an existing wudhu facility and provided valuable information and advice on the type of unit to fit.”
The wudhu facility was launched at a special event allowing colleagues to celebrate the opening and view the new facility. It was also an opportunity to thank the work of colleagues who brought this project to fruition.
Trust Muslim Chaplain, Maulana Umar Dadibhai, began the ceremony with a short recitation and translation from the Quran, on the topic of the value of counting blessings, doing good for others and appreciating the blessings of having a facility dedicated to the purity of one’s body and soul before prayers.
The event also allowed the opportunity to present a gift to Sue Larrad as a token of thanks from the working group for all her dedication and hard work into making this project happen.
Feedback from colleagues included:
“I can personally say that this wudhu room will now allow me to pray during my working day as in the past could not cleanse myself to perform my prayer. Thank you so so much to all that have made this possible”.
“This facility comes at the perfect time for Ramadan allowing me to spend time in prayer with peace of mind that my wudhu has been done properly”.
“I really appreciate the support shown from the Trust as we’ve been asking for something like this for a long time. It shows the Trust cares about us and our beliefs, giving us the tools and support we need to pray at work”.
“Having a purpose-built wudhu facility will really help me keep on top of my prayers whilst at work. It means I don’t have to delay my prayers, especially during the holy month. Thank you on behalf of all our Muslim colleagues here at the Trust”.
Following the fantastic response from colleagues, the Trust is planning to review other sites and the suitability of installing wudhu facilities in the future. In the short-term, wudhu cupboards will be installed at the Bretton Centre, Horizon Centre, Unity Centre and Newton Lodge at Fieldhead Hospital, Mapplewell Health Centre in Barnsley, Laura Mitchell Health and Wellbeing Centre in Halifax, Folly Hall in Huddersfield, and the Priestley Unit in Dewsbury.
Wishing our Muslim colleagues, patients and partners a blessed Ramadan Mubarak. May it be a month full of happiness, peace and prosperity for you and your families.
