MUSLIM patients in East London are being urged not to forget about their hospital appointments during Ramadan. The Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel issued an appeal reminding those celebrating the month-long festival from Saturday they still need to keep their appointments if they are on medication

By Gemma Collins

MUSLIM patients in East London are being urged not to forget about their hospital appointments during Ramadan.

Health experts at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel today issued an appeal reminding those celebrating the month-long festival from Saturday they still need to keep their appointments if they are on medication and should not alter their dose because of the daily fast.

"We have noticed a spike in missed appointments during Ramadan over the past two years," explained Lead Cancer nurse Nuala Close.

"Patients need to understand that they are taking an unnecessary risk with their health if they miss their appointments. Waiting until the end of Ramadan could have serious consequences on their health."

The hospital trust's Muslim chaplain has also appealed to patients to follow the strict medication guidance in the knowledge that they are not breaking their religious beliefs.