Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/7863699.stm

A Christian nurse from Weston-super-Mare has been suspended for offering to pray for a patient's recovery.

Community nurse Caroline Petrie, 45, says she asked an elderly woman patient during a home visit if she wanted her to say a prayer for her.

The patient complained to the health trust about Mrs Petrie who follows the Baptist faith.

She was suspended, without pay, on 17 December and will find out the outcome of her disciplinary meeting next week.

Power of prayer

Mrs Petrie, who carries out home visits in North Somerset, said she had asked the patient if she would like a prayer said for her after she had put dressings on the woman's legs.

The patient, believed to be in her 70s, refused and Mrs Petrie insists that she left the matter alone.

The sick woman contacted the trust about the incident and Mrs Petrie was challenged by her superiors.

We are always keen to be espectful of our patients' views and sensitivity as well as those of our staff North Somerset Primary Care Trust

Mrs Petrie said: "The woman mentioned it to the sister who did her dressing the following day. She said that she wasn't offended but was concerned that someone else might be.

"I was spoken to by my manager. She said 'I've got a letter in one hand and an incident form in the other. You won't be able to work until we've investigated this incident'."

Mrs Petrie, who qualified as a nurse in 1985, said she became a Christian following the death of her mother.

"My faith got stronger and I realised God was doing amazing things in my life.

"I saw my patients suffering and as I believe in the power of prayer, I began asking them if they wanted me to pray for them. They are absolutely delighted."

A spokesman for North Somerset Primary Care Trust said: "Caroline Petrie has been suspended pending an investigation into the matter.

"She is a bank nurse and has been told we will not be using her in this capacity until the outcome of our investigation is known.

"We always take any concerns raised by our patients most seriously and conscientiously investigate any matter of this nature brought to our attention.

"We are always keen to be respectful of our patients' views and sensitivity as well as those of our staff."

Mrs Petrie says that she has taken advice from the Christian Legal Centre, which aims to protect the religious freedom of people who follow the Christian faith.

To be honest, I am with the NHS on this one, I think that religion has absolutely no right to be used in a place of medicine. Mixing the two can only bring trouble. If someone offered to pray for me I would feel offput. I think she deserved to be suspended IMHO.

I live with nurses at uni and they agree that doing such a thing is out of order.

So she wanted to pray for her (Show she cared for the patients) and now she doesn't have a job. That's bull! Especially considering that she asked them first!

yeah, im an atheist but i think this is ott, i have no problem with people offering to pray for the ill, so long as they respect the choice of the patient to decline the offer.

i would add however that i object to the idea of relgious symbols or priests (and other similar people) being in hospitals, you can make an offer, but you cannot force religion on thoose who dont want it.

I'm also an atheist. I would be flattered that the person would care enough to offer the service, but it's somewhat annoying that everybody assumes you believe in god or have some kind of Christian beliefs.

I'm kind of on the fence about this one, because I think it's over the top, but I also agree that religion should have no place in medical healing.

I think they made a big story with a simple matter as this one but I have to say, even though it's good intentions, she shouldn't do that... Religion is a personal thing plus not everyone is a Christian... -_-'

your right, thats why the Jews, Muslims, and everyother faith prays... puts a hole in your arguement doesnt it?

Looks to me they were waiting for an excuse to fire her and that was it.

yeah a christian, surprise surprise. I guarantee if a Muslim offered to pray to allah he wouldn't be punished at all.

wtf is wrong with you? you think its ok she got suspended for asking if they wanted her to pray for them ???!
i hope she wins a lot of money. its not like shes strapping them down and praying at them like an exorcism.

What the hell?  You may not believe in the way they choose to do it, but what's wrong with other people wishing for your wellbeing?  They're not trying to convert you, they're just showing that they care for you.