Celebrating Partnership: Homerton Healthcare and Gezint working to make our care more inclusive
On Thursday 16 of July we celebrated the official opening of new kosher facilities in Homerton University Hospital.
The facilities were made possible due to support from Gezint, an organisation dedicated to bridging the gap between the Jewish community and the NHS.
Supporting Diversity in Care
Gezint has worked closely with the Trust to provide new facilities including:
- A kosher kitchenette in the Starlight ward, stocked with tea, coffee, and a small fridge, available 24/7.
- A fully stocked kosher pantry in the Delivery Suite.
- A new ice machine in the Templar staff room.
These additions reflect the Trust’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, patient-centred care that respects the diverse needs of our local community.
Gezint – what they do
Gezint aims to bring a sense of familiarity, comfort, and respite for patients and their families in hospital by providing kosher food, refreshments, and necessities. Their work supports both minority communities and the general public.
Currently, Gezint operates in 16 hospitals across London, including Homerton University Hospital.
The opening event
The event was attended by key figures from across the borough, including Mayor of Hackney Caroline Woodley and Councillor Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, alongside our Chair Mary Elford and our Chief Executive Bas Sadiq.
Representatives from Gezint, members of the Homerton chaplaincy team, and around 20 staff from the wards that have benefitted from the new facilities also joined the celebration.
The event included remarks from Reverend Efrayim Goldstein and Rabbi Isaak Kohn, representatives from Gezint, who shared more about their mission and the importance of culturally sensitive healthcare.
Working Together for a Healthier Hackney
This collaboration shows how partnerships between the NHS and community organisations can lead to meaningful improvements in care. Homerton Healthcare looks forward to continuing its work with Gezint and other local partners to ensure that everyone in Hackney feels welcomed, respected, and supported when they walk through our doors.
