Christian Medics
© 09-10 Colin Melbourne
Topic: Should Christian doctors and nurses be allowed to pray for their patients?
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Colin
It is a sign of the decay of Christian morality and ethics in the United Kingdom that doctors and nurses are now being reprimanded for daring to pray with their patients.
Background:
In February 2009 an English Baptist nurse was suspended from duty for simply offering to pray for an elderly lady patient during a home visit.
<< Christ commands disciples to heal the sick in His Name. F.F. Bosworth shows you how in this marvellous book.
Note: National Health Service (NHS) medical care is completely free in the UK.
The sick lady needed her legs bandaging regularly, and received daily visits from registered nurses to dress her wounds.
A Christian nurse finished a treatment, and was led by the Lord to ask if the patient would like her to pray for her. The lady declined, and the nurse did not press the matter. The next day the patient mentioned it in passing to another nurse, saying that she wasn't offended, but thought others might be.
The second nurse reported the matter to the National Health Service, and the Christian nurse was immediately suspended from such duties pending an investigation.
Meanwhile, in June 2009, British NHS doctors began debating, at the British Medical Association (BMA) conference in Liverpool, if they should be allowed to raise "spiritual matters" with patients. They insist that they should not be reprimanded for doing so, nor for offering prayer.
The current UK Medical Council code implies that doctors may indeed raise the topic with patients as long as medics respect their wishes.
However, in January 2009 the UK Government Department of Health began a campaign against what it terms "proselytising" patients by medical staff.
They say that broaching the subject of faith may be seen as pressurising vulnerable patients "to convert", and even be a "form of harassment".
The NHS feels it is best for only their approved Hospital Chaplains to be involved with patients' "spiritual care".
The National Secular Society commented that if doctors were allowed to offer prayer, it would get out of hand and, "...we'd have staff preaching on the wards".
What should a Christian carer, nurse, or doctor do about this?
Colin
What about Australian Christian medical staff; would they be suspended for offering to pray for a sick patient? I recently answered a question from an Aussie nurse who apparently is paid, and has permission from her superiors, to promote and teach New Age quackery, and lead her patients to Eternal Hell.
Judie
I would say that we as Christians can pray for anyone we want to. If we feel it would offend someone, then we can pray silently. But, God hears our prayers, and it may be that He can then work on the patient, and soften their heart so they could go forward to a new beginning with Christ. He is faithful, loving and accepts us just as we are. His grace is sufficient, and He is still in the miracle business.
Lesley
I'm a nurse who's worn a dove lapel badge for many years. It has prompted many people to ask what it is, over the years, as it's not instantly recognised as a Christian symbol by non-Christians, so it's inoffensive. My Christian patients and relatives recognise it, and it has led to some very fruitful conversations, and being asked to pray for them.
Delilah
Many years ago when I was in a hospital to have surgery my doctor came into my room the night before surgery, sat down next to my bed, bowed his head and prayed for "us". Needless to say all fear left me and I felt total peace. The surgery was successful, the whole experience was positive and peaceful, and I'll never forget it. I'd say prayer is therapeutic, and as we say in the nursing world, leads to positive outcomes.
