By Richard Burdge

A DECISION to strip a Tayside hospital chapel of its Christian identity has been swiftly reversed in the face of widespread condemnation.

Health officials decided on the U-turn after the level of outrage at the changes at Perth Royal Infirmary became clear.

The removal of the Christian symbol—a communion table which was sent back to the church which donated it—was seen by many as an attack on their faith in the name of political correctness.

NHS Tayside initially defended its action, prompted by Scottish Executive advice and agreed by the health authority’s spiritual care committee, as appropriate to a diverse, multi-faith society.

The alterations to the chapel were said to have created “a welcoming place of peace and tranquillity for all.”

Leading the opposition to the changes was Moira Kerr, of Crieff, who said she was “surprised, hurt and angry” about the move away from a Christian theme in the quiet room.

Her sentiments struck a chord with many other people and NHS Tayside looked in danger of being engulfed in a storm of controversy.

However, within hours of the changes being revealed in The Courier, it became apparent that a re-think had been carried out and it was announced NHS acting chairman George King had acted decisively to placate the vociferous critics.

“Regarding the decision made by our spiritual care department to remove the communion table from the quiet room at PRI, acting chairman of NHS Tayside, George King, has instructed that the room at PRI is returned to the way it was prior to the decision being made,” Shona Singers, head of corporate communications with NHS Tayside, confirmed last night.

She said it was Mr King’s intention that the subject be discussed at today’s board meeting.

“Following that meeting and in order to ensure the maximum participation of all those involved it may be necessary to convene a special meeting of the spiritual care committee to achieve consensus.”

Roseanna Cunningham, MSP for Perth, was among the first to welcome the decision to restore the chapel to the way it was.

Ms Cunningham said, “I hope that the public response that has led to this decision being changed will persuade the board that while they must, of course, provide for the pastoral and spiritual needs of patients and visitors of all faiths, and of none, they must find a way of doing that which will not offend those for whom Christianity is important, particularly at the very difficult times that can confront people in a hospital environment.”

Mgr Charles Hendry, RC chaplain to Perth Royal Infirmary, said he was delighted to hear that the communion table would be restored to the hospital chapel.

“I applaud Moira Kerr for raising this matter and for standing up for what she believes in. Her protest has undoubtedly brought about this action.

“Everyone, of all faiths and none, is always welcome in a Christian place of worship and I cannot believe that anyone was offended by the Christian symbols in the hospital chapel.

“It is a place of sanctuary for all, irrespective of their faith.”

Councillor Alexander Stewart, whose ward includes the hospital, said the numbers of telephone calls he had fielded on the issue were “astronomical.”

“It is the first time in a long time that NHS Tayside has taken on board the views, feelings and opinions of the public. In the past they have been ignored.”