Faith and Religion

Bolton PCT is committed to supporting its staff to practice their faith, recognising that for many people this is an important factor in their lives. This commitment is enshrined in the Equal Opportunities Policy Statement and reflected in things like our documentation for annual appraisals and personal development planning, which includes a section on faith.

Our flexible working policies can be used to support, for example attendance at religious festivals or services, where this is compatible with maintaining service provision and team-working.

Below are some links which provide guidance to staff involved in the delivery of health care services to patients and carers from diverse religions, faith and cultural backgrounds. These provide an insight into many customs and practices and needs to enable staff to meet cultural and sensitive needs of our patients and carers.

Also it is equally important to remember that for some people faith may not be as important and so all this information is available to support our staff.

Please click here for a calendar of religious festivals for 2008
for more information click here  to link to the BBC Religious Calendar

Guidance for health staff on issues around healthcare during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is available by clicking here

Leaflet on Islam Awareness is available by clicking here

For further information please contact Shabir Abdul, Race Equality Specialist.

Useful links

• Bolton Interfaith Council : www.boltoncommunity.co.uk/interfaithcouncil
• The Salford Roman Catholic diocese which includes Bolton : www.salforddiocese.org.uk
• The Manchester Church of England diocese which includes Bolton : www.manchester.anglican.org
• Muslim Health Network : www.muslimhealthnetwork.org
• "Ethnicity Online: Cultural Awareness In healthcare" http://www.ethnicityonline.net/default.htm.
• Ethnicity Online : http://www.ethnicityonline.net/islam.htm
• ACAS : www.acas.org.uk

Faith calendars have been sent out to GP's, Health Centres, and other PCT contractor services. If you have not received yours then contact me below.

Electronic version of the faith calendar coming soon.

Shabir Abdul
Race Equality Specialist
Telephone 01204 46 2168
Fax 01204 46 2179
Email shabir.abdul@bolton.nhs.uk