Sharing #MuslimStories during Islamophobia Awareness Month

November is Islamophobia Awareness Month, and during this month we're sharing #MuslimStories from members of MY Team, with the goal of sparking meaningful and engaging conversations.

Why do we need to tackle Islamophobia?

With around 7,000 anti-Muslim hate crimes reported every year, it's really important that we all get behind the campaign and highlight the positive role of Muslims and Islam across our communities. As a Trust, we are so proud of the diversity of our workforce and the communities we serve, so we're sharing our colleagues' stories as part of our activities during the month.

Visit islamophobia-awareness.org for more information.

Dr Bushra Ghouri

Where do you work?

I'm a Consultant in our Elderly Care Department.

What do you do and how long have you worked for MYTT?

I work on two sites at the Trust, PGH and DDH , with frail elderly patients and look after them on Gate 42.

I have been working in the Trust for last 4 years as a Consultant.

How does your faith contribute to your work?

I love to work with elderly patients as our religion and belief strongly recommends helping and easing the pain and agony in all. Our faith highly recommends the saving of one life is equal to saving the whole of mankind.

The elderly are the blessing in our community and pray for us in return as well.

Any inspiring words?

Working in the profession of medicine is the best thing I have ever done, and this has been highly appreciated at my work place and also in the community as well.

Reverend Charlene Smith

Where do you work?

Chaplaincy at Pinderfields.

What do you do and how long have you worked for MYTT?

I'm the Trust's Lead Chaplain, working for the Trust for just over two years.

How has your interaction been with Muslim staff, patients etc?

I lead the multifaith team across the Trust and as such I work alongside many Muslim colleagues, but most closely with my Muslim colleagues within the Chaplaincy department.

I hold my Muslim colleagues in the highest regard, we work together on projects, teaching, interacting with patients and staff across the Trust, we do this together with integrity and respect of each other. We talk about our work, worries, joys, family and all the 'stuff' in-between. Not forgetting that we also have great fun and there is much laughter along the way. I have found that my colleagues have been a great support and inspiration for myself personally and professionally, and truly I wouldn't be able to lead the team without their unwavering generosity and wisdom.

Gibril Bojang

Where do you work?

Medical Physics Department at Dewsbury Hospital

What do you do and how long have you worked for MYTT?

I am a Medical Technical Officer, which means looking after medical equipment by servicing them whenever they are due for service or need repairing etc. I work at all three sites including Pinderfields and Pontefract Hospitals. I have been working for Mid Yorkshire since August 2004 - so 19 years.

How has your interaction been with Muslim staff, patients etc?

My faith contributes and encourages me to work to the best of my ability and I enjoy working for the Trust because I am able to fulfil my religious obligations. I always try to support my colleagues and all visitors. I believe I am providing an important service and I love to help people.

Dr Ghazanfar Shah

Where do you work?

Emergency Department at Pinderfields.

What do you do and how long have you worked for MYTT?

My main role is assessing emergency medicine patients on arrival in the department, whether they walk in or come by ambulance or in the resuscitation room or children's emergency area. I look after my patients directly sometimes, and other times by supervising junior doctors and nurses to ensure they get all their life saving treatment and pain killers in a timely manner. I have been working at MYTT for over 10 years.

How does your faith contribute to your work? As a practicing Muslim, I believe and treat everyone fairly with respect and equality regardless of age, gender, colour and belief. As part of my faith, I am supposed to safeguard all vulnerable groups of society, promote good health and wellbeing - physical and spiritual. All these aspects of care are incorporated in my practice as a Muslim, and I am endorsed by the GMC principals of good medical practice.

Any inspiring words? Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Saima Thobasam

Where do you work?

Gate 27 ARCU, Pinderfields.

What do you do and how long have you worked for MYTT?

I work as part of the nursing team and I have been employed by the Trust for the last 7 years.

How does your faith contribute to your work?

My previous job was at Dewsbury Hospital in the Emergency Department, and I dealt with a wide range of individuals of all racial and cultures but primarily the Asian community as there is a large Asian population around the Dewsbury area. I assisted the elderly patients, interpreting and supporting them. It was my responsibility to approach them and provide information on the drugs and their therapies in their preferred language. During Covid, I worked at Gate 27 ARCU at Pinderfields. I believe my Islamic faith helped me to deal with the challenges of working in a highly challenging critical ward, caring for patients. I continue to work there and enjoy supporting patients, families, and I have a good relationship with all my colleagues.

Any inspiring words?

When my shift at Gate 27 comes to an end, I always bid patients farewell and wish them well. All patients are my number one priority and I aim to leave each shift with a smile on my face. I treat everyone regardless of faith and non-faith with respect and dignity. Hatred should not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Andleeb Gul

Where do you work?

Digital Systems - PGH/DDH

How does your faith contribute to your work?

My faith teaches me kindness, compassion, respectful conduct and tolerance. These are principles at the core of any care setting but here at MYTT, they are highly valuable.

Any inspiring words?

We should all aim to make at least one person smile every day. You never know what kind of a day someone is having, and you just might make it better with something as simple as a kind smile.