Here are a few recent quotes from some of the hundreds of doctors who have participated in a Saline Solution conference in the UK. Coming from doctors in both hospital and general practice, they encourage us to realise that as Christian doctors we can make a specific difference in our patients’ lives.

‘The Saline day was a real help – mainly in saying “It’s OK”. To be honest I still find it difficult to initiate the questions about faith, but I am surprised that when I do, sometimes the reply comes later. I remember a lovely lady with a malignant effusion to whom, after several consultations and draining her effusion permanently, I said goodbye. She gave me a tremendous hug and talked about heaven. It was several weeks before that we had talked about dying and I had asked whether she thought there was anything beyond death.’

‘I realise since Saline that whatever people’s faith, or none, to leave their spirituality out of the consulting room is to cut part of them off and ask them to leave it at the door, in the umbrella stand. We can connect with people in gentle witness or in ministry, simply by listening, picking up on the cues and reflecting them as questions.’

‘I have started memorising scripture verses, and several times found them useful in encouraging patients. Overall I have been more confident in bringing my faith into the consultation, and pray the Lord will use me more in this way. It has been encour-aging recently to see a patient start coming to church following a discussion about a year ago, when I gave him a Bible to read.’

‘The most obvious way in which it has changed my practice, which is also the most simple, is that when praying before each surgery I ask to be aware of the Spirit guiding me “who to pause with today”. So many times this has allowed the conversation with a patient to turn to a deeper issue.’

‘That day was really good and I have particularly been able to make use of the faith flags during my preop assessments eg. to the anxious patient “Do you have a faith that helps you in a time like this?”’

Details of future Saline day conferences are available on the website. Why not book and give it a try? If you’d like to help arrange a Saline in your area, please get in touch with me at kevin.vaughan@cmf.org.uk.