During Ramadan, many Muslims will observe the dawn to dusk fasting. As well as being one of the focal points of the Muslim year, one of the goals of the month is to make those who fast conscious of others.

Through not eating, people are encouraged to think of the less fortunate who are often without food. Fasting may have implications for our Muslim patients and staff. 111 Clinical Duty Manager Carla Rogers based in Liverpool talks about Ramadan.

“When we fast, it’s not just from food and drink but also from music, TV, general chit-chatting/gossip, swearing and backbiting. I find a busy shift helps when fasting as there is no time to think about sleep, tiredness and hunger.

“Each country has its own signature Ramadan dishes. They are generally picky foods rather than big meals which can be too heavy after fasting the whole day as in the summer months, we can often fast for up to 15 hours plus.

“There are two Eids and they are celebrated over a period of three days. Eid ul Fitr is the Eid after Ramadan and is often celebrated with sweets/cakes, marking the end of fasting. Eid ul Adha is the Eid after Hajj, which is often celebrated by eating meat, marking the pilgrimage and sacrifice.

“We normally wear new clothes for Eid and some give children money and/or toys/gifts/sweets but it isn’t a must. If you cannot afford new clothes then we wear our ‘best’ clothes. If you cannot afford to give gifts, give a smile or help in any way you can. We often raise money for a charity in the holy month of Ramadan by seeing if any non-Muslims would like to try fasting for the day or longer.”