§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the discussions between his officials and the Multi-faith joint First National Working Group in relation to advice and information for hospital chaplains. [73750]
§ Mr. LammyDepartment officials have been working closely for some time with the multi-faith joint national working group via their chosen representative, the Chief Executive of the hospital chaplaincies council to produce renewed advice on the provision of chaplaincy services in the National Health Service.
§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the findings of the Patient Information Advisory Group with regard to the work of hospital chaplains. [73754]
§ Mr. LammyThe patient information advisory group has advised me that National Health Service trusts should seek consent from patients before information about their religious affiliations can be passed to hospital chaplains. The NHS will need to develop systems for supporting the work of chaplains whilst recording and respecting the preferences of patients. I have placed a copy of the advisory group's advice in the Library.