PATIENTS and their relatives in need of spiritual support at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, will benefit from an improved religious service.
The Department of Health has launched new guidance for NHS trusts on chaplaincy services this month.
The Rev Sue Brooks, chaplain and co-ordinator of chaplaincy services at the trust, said: "It is pleasing to know that the trust already conforms to many of the guidelines outlined in the report.
"The move towards a more multi-faith service has been on-going in Calderdale and Huddersfield for sometime and we can call upon chaplains and volunteer ward visitors from each of the major Christian denominations."
There was also a Muslim chaplain working across all hospital sites and a Muslim volunteer visitor in Huddersfield.
"The trust has also app- ointed a Sikh volunteer, who hopes to start with the team early in the New Year."
The DoH report sets out a framework for chaplaincy and spiritual care throughout the NHS.
The document highlights arrangements to ensure the religious and cultural needs of the healthcare community are constantly met. It can be viewed at the DoH website at www.doh.gov.uk/chaplain
