By Dave Lord

A BOUT of political correctness at a Tayside acute hospital has resulted in the Christian faith being “brutalised,” it was claimed yesterday.

Christian symbols have been removed from the chapel at Perth Royal Infirmary and a communion table sent back to the church which donated it.

The move was branded an attack on Christianity but NHS Tayside last night attempted to deflect criticism, saying that spiritual care must be “holistic” and that Scottish Executive guidelines had effectively forced the removal of certain items.

Moira Kerr, of Crieff, who has visited the chapel to say prayers for terminally ill patients in the past, is devastated by the changes. “I was surprised, hurt and angry when I was told that the Quiet Room (chapel) at Perth Royal Infirmary has had its Christian symbols removed,” she said. “Apparently there are now just a few mats on the floor.

“I for one wish to know who decided this should be done and for what reason.”

Mrs Kerr was disappointed to hear that a gift from her local church had now been returned by staff at the hospital because of its connotations with the Christian faith.

“After the closure of St Andrew’s Church here in Crieff and its conversion into two beautiful halls for the benefit of its sister church, St Michael’s, now Crieff Parish Church, the lovely communion table was donated to PRI,” she said.

“Apparently it has been returned because of its connection with Christianity.”

“I would like to know who is responsible for this political correctness,” she said.

“I am sure Muslims, Jews and others are just as puzzled as I am at the way we are allowing our faith to be brutalised.”

Mrs Kerr said, “I would be most grateful if someone would enlighten me as to the goings on at PRI.”

An NHS Tayside spokesman said all changes had been led by the Scottish Executive and agreed by the health board’s “spiritual care committee.”

She said, “Spiritual care must be provided in the context of holistic care, for all patients, carers and staff, acknowledging the different faiths, or none, and recognising that each person has needs far beyond the physical.

“NHS Tayside has, in accordance with guidance from the Scottish Executive, reviewed the provision of accommodation available for patients, relatives and staff of all faiths or none.

“As part of this review proposals were presented to and agreed by the NHS Tayside spiritual care committee for changes to the chapel at Perth Royal Infirmary.

“Following full discussion with Crieff Parish Church who donated the communion table it has been returned to them and they have welcomed it back for a development there.

“The whole chapel has been re-carpeted and the redevelopment is progressing to create a welcoming place of peace and tranquillity for all.”

Last night the minister at Crieff Parish Church, the Rev Jim McDonald, said it was in some ways sad that the table had been returned but he appreciated why the decision had been taken.

He said, “I understand the NHS is opening up places such as the chapel to engage all faiths and they did not want it to be dominated by Christian symbols.

“It is a bit sad but I appreciate that we live in a multi-cultural society.”