A LEADING surgeon called yesterday for the development of a training guide to help staff care for patients with specific religious and cultural needs.

Aiman Alzetani, a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at Southampton General Hospital, said the lack of basic training and information had created “obstacles” for staff and “disconnected” them from some patients.

He spoke out ahead of a presentation on raising cultural awareness at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust’s annual equality and diversity conference.

“It is not widely known Muslims are not allowed to shake hands with a member of the opposite sex, that intoxicating drugs are not permissible or that not all male family members are allowed to visit a female relative without her hijab on,” said Mr Alzetani.

“These are all situations that could cause issues between staff and patients, but they could be easily avoided with some basic training or information to help guide staff — and that goes for any religion or culture which involves sensitive traditions or rituals.”

He said he would now push for the development of a pocket or ward-based guide on all religions and cultures for use across the NHS.