Doctors Call For Prayer Rights

June 29th 2009

A bid to adjust NHS rules about religion is set to be made this week.

Health staff should have a clear right to discuss spiritual issues with patients, according to a group of doctors.

The issue, which has caused headlines in recent months, is set to be discussed at the BMA's annual conference in Liverpool this week.

Dr Bernadette Birtwhistle, a member of the Christian Medical Fellowship, said: "I think it is getting to the point where many of us feel we cannot talk to patients about their spiritual or religious needs or ask them about praying.

"Christianity is being seen as something that is unhelpful."

But a department of health spokesman said: "Although all staff should be sensitive to religious needs and preferences of patients, the delivery of spiritual care should be provided by the hospital chaplaincy service."

* The conference will also hear calls for stronger protection for whistleblowers, it was reported. Promises of protection for whistleblowers have been called into question after a nurse was struck off after working with a TV programme to expose problems in wards where she worked.

* Meanwhile a BMA poll, published as the conference opened, showed strong public backing for protecting NHS funding during the aftermath of the recession.

Some 77 per cent said the government should cut other departments rather than the NHS.

Some 90 per cent of those who took part in the survey said they fear services would be cut. Pollsters Hamilton Lock questioned more than 1,000 people.

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