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DH response re. religion or belief

Response to your Query : - Religion or belief: a practical guide for the NHS

Dear Mr Saunders,

Thank you for your e-mail of 12 January about the publication Religion or Belief a practical guide for the NHS, which was published on 9 January.

This guidance forms part of the Department's work programme to comply with existing and forthcoming public sector duties on equalities, and a recognition of the diverse health needs of people of all faiths and none. The guide is part of a suite of guidance that seeks to equip NHS staff at all levels to understand the needs of all people.

This guidance is designed to assist NHS organisations to implement and comply with the requirements of legislation on religion or belief enacted recently. The guidance outlines examples of good practice and features case studies from NHS organisations that are working towards achieving equality in treatment of patients from diverse religious backgrounds.

As this is guidance for the NHS, rather than new policy, the Department did not conduct a formal consultation exercise. However, the Department did consult with a wide range of stakeholders in the production of this guidance including NHS Organisations, internal DH colleagues, the Inter Faith Network for the UK and local interest groups.

I hope this reply is helpful.

Yours sincerely,

Paul McLaughlin

Customer Service Centre

Department of Health

For further information:

Steven Fouch (CMF Head of Communications) 020 7234 9668

Media Enquiries:

Alistair Thompson on 07970 162 225

About CMF:

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.