Printed from: https://archive.cmf.org.uk/advocacy/pressrelease/?id=24
Published: 11th June 2004
CMF is running a series of day conferences for Christian doctors and other healthcare professionals keen to make patients aware of the important link between personal spirituality and improved physical health. Ashburnham Christian Trust in Battle, near Eastbourne, will host the Saline Solution roadshow on Wednesday 16 June, as one of eight events around the UK throughout summer 2004.
The Saline Solution course – originally developed by CMF's American sister organisation, the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA) – is aimed at helping Christian doctors and other healthcare professionals bring their faith into the consultation. It has been adapted to the UK in response to a growing recognition of the important link between spiritual and physical wellbeing, and a ruling by the General Medical Council that doctors may share their faith with patients if it is done in an appropriate and sensitive way.
The one-day conferences will include interactive sessions focusing on doctor/patient communication, spiritual therapeutics and diagnosis. To date the Saline Solution programme has assisted hundreds of doctors in becoming more comfortable and adept at practising medicine in a way that addresses the needs of the whole person.
A recent British Medical Journal editorial claimed that spiritual values and skills are increasingly recognised as necessary aspects of clinical care, while a new study by the Economic and Social Research Council, based at Loughborough University, found that recently bereaved older people were less likely to succumb to depression if they had a strong sense of belief and personal meaning.
Peter Saunders, General Secretary of the CMF, said: “Every Christian doctor has a unique opportunity to improve both the physical and spiritual health of their patients, but many feel frustrated by the challenge of integrating their faith and practice within the time constraints of the daily schedule.
“Saline Solution is aimed at helping doctors to bring their faith into their work in an appropriate but effective way.”
The conferences will be led by Peter Saunders, CMF General Secretary; Kevin Vaughan, CMF Associate General Secretary; and Jeremy Franklin, CMF Pastoral Secretary. Further Saline Solution events are planned for the autumn, at locations throughout England, Scotland and Wales.
The cost for attending a Saline Solution seminar is £20. Further information can be obtained by emailing events@cmf.org.uk or by visiting www.cmf.org.uk
Steven Fouch (CMF Head of Communications) 020 7234 9668
Alistair Thompson on 07970 162 225
Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF) was founded in 1949 and is an interdenominational organisation with over 5,000 doctors, 900medical and nursing students and 300 nurses and midwives as members in all branches of medicine, nursing and midwifery. A registered charity, it is linked to over 100 similar bodies in other countries throughout the world.
CMF exists to unite Christian healthcare professionals to pursue the highest ethical standards in Christian and professional life and to increase faith in Christ and acceptance of his ethical teaching.
