‘Let Us Pray’ Nurse Given Her Job Back

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Category: The World

Created on Monday, 09 February 2009 00:00

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‘Let Us Pray’ Nurse Given Her Job Back

Friday, February 6, 2009

Reprieve: Caroline Petrie

A Christian nurse suspended after offering to pray for the recovery of an elderly patient has been asked to return to work.

Caroline Petrie was accused of failing to show a commitment to equality and diversity and was awaiting the outcome of a disciplinary hearing. The community nurse, who carries out home visits in North Somerset, was suspended after she visited a female patient in December.

She asked, 'Would you like me to pray for you?' after putting dressings on her legs but the woman refused. It is believed the patient later raised the issue with senior NHS staff.

A statement from NHS North Somerset primary care trust – for whom Mrs Petrie, 45, worked on a temporary basis – said: 'We have contacted Caroline with a view to her returning back to work as soon as she feels able. We have always been keen to bring this matter to a timely resolution. It has been a distressing and difficult time for Caroline and staff involved.'

The trust said it recognised the nurse was 'acting in the best interests of her patients'.
It added: 'Nurses do not have to set aside their faith but personal beliefs and practices should be secondary to the needs and beliefs of the patient.'

Mrs Petrie said she had yet to hear anything about an offer to return to work and was in two minds about whether to do so.

Credit UK METRO