Correspondence

Personal beliefs in Medicine

THE BMA decided to produce a leaflet on personal beliefs in medicine. They asked the CMA to comment on the draft.

We wrote back:

Dear Kate,

Thankyou for asking us to review this document. It is notable that both Catholic Christianity and
Non-Catholic Christianity are not mentioned at all. That is clearly a serious error.

The most important point we would make is that issues of conscience in key areas such as abortion, euthanasia, withdrawal of treatment in the dying, reproductive health, and other areas are common scenarios which challenge medical students and junior doctors alike. A leaflet that sets out to support students who are of faith really does need to at least enable access to support and advice on this.

You should at least reference GMC guidance on personal beliefs and also make especial note of the issues of Conscientious Objection therein. The Catholic Medical Association does, as an association, offers advice and support to members on these issues occasionally. We also have local branches and prayer groups etc where such things can be reflected upon and prayed about.

With regard to the other issues highlighted in the draft document,

  1. In 2022 an employment tribunal found in  favour of the right of an NHS worker to wear a  small cross- something that many Christians want  to do and feel they should. It is, of course, of grave  concern that the nurse was dismissed for wearing  a cross- this indicates how severely some Christians  have been treated by NHS employers. The  Court found that the Nurse had been ‘victimised’  for wearing cross at work and that she was  unfairly dismissed,
  2. Christians should also be allowed to attend  Church if they wish to, especially on Sundays and  also Good Friday and Christmas Day.  
  3. Christians should also be able to pray in a quiet  place for short periods during the day if they wish.  

I hope this is helpful. With regard to your specific  questions.  

We would be happy for our organisation to be linked to in the guidance as a possible source of  support?  

Are there other resources you would like to link  to in the guidance?  

We suggest a link to GMC guidance on personal beliefs and conscientious objection.

Dr Adrian Treloar  Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry

Reference

  1. Harriet Sherwood (2022) Nurse ‘victimised’ for  wearing cross at work was unfairly dismissed, tribunal  rules. Wed 5 Jan 2022
    www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jan/05/nurse-victimised-for-wearing-cross-at-work-was-unfairly-dismissed-tribunal-rules