Caroline Petrie, the nurse from Weston-super-Mare who was suspended without pay for asking a patient whether she would like to be prayed for, has been reinstated by North Somerset Primary Care Trust.
The dramatic turn around by North Somerset Primary Care Trust comes days after extensive media coverage and news reports which revealed that Mrs Petrie, a born again Christian and mother of two, was suspended after her employers discovered that she had asked a patient whether she would like to be prayed for. Although the patient in question was not offended, the incident was reported and Mrs Petrie was told that she could face disciplinary action. On 28th January Mrs Petrie attended a disciplinary hearing on the basis that she had failed to demonstrate a ‘personal and professional commitment to equality and diversity’ by offering to pray for the patient.
Watch video : The Caroline Petrie Story, as told by BBC TV reports 2nd to 6th Feb 2009
North Somerset Primary Care Trust, in a statement issued on 5th February, said that they recognised that Mrs Petrie had been acting in the “best interests of her patients” and that nurses did not have to “set aside their faith” in the workplace, and could “continue to offer high quality care for patients while remaining committed to their beliefs”. The Trust also said that for some people, prayer is recognised as an “integral part of health care and the healing process”.
However, the Christian Legal Centre believes that the Trust’s statement is deliberately vague in places about conditions that the Trust might seek to impose on Christians in the work place. However, Mrs Petrie is thrilled to be able to return to work as soon as possible and the Trust has not indicated to her that any conditions will be imposed.
Caroline Petrie stated “I am looking forward to returning to work and doing what I love and have loved for 24 years - caring for patients and their welfare. I am pleased that I do not have to separate my faith from my work.”
Leading religious liberties Barrister Paul Diamond advised Mrs Petrie and the Christian Legal Centre continues to support her. Andrea Williams, Director of the Christian Legal Centre, said: “This is a great victory for Mrs Petrie, and for common sense. Yesterday’s decision highlights the importance of being able to take personal faith into the workplace rather than being forced to leave it at the door for fear of being silenced by equality and diversity policies.”
Links to media reports:
Daily Telegraph: NHS staff face sack if they discuss religion
Daily Express: WORK BAN LIFTED ON PRAYER ROW NURSE
BBC: No action over prayer-row nurse