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The Department is committed to recognising the needs of patients and staff of diverse religious groups, and to responding sensitively and appropriately to their needs. The NHS Plan, published in July 2000, signals that a key part of reforming the NHS and social services is the need to ensure the delivery of fair, appropriate and equitable access of services to all.
The NHS and social services must take account of the personal needs (such as religious, cultural and dietary requirements) of the multi-cultural and spiritually diverse communities it serves by ensuring that all services are delivered appropriately to all service users and staff.
This guidance is designed to help NHS organisations implement and comply with the requirements of legislation on religion or belief. It provides general practical guidance about the issues.
The Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 came into force on 2 December 2003. It outlaws discrimination in the workplace on grounds of religion or belief - that is, any religion, religious belief or similar philosophical belief.
The Equality Act (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2006 came into force on 30 April 2007. Part 2 of the Act sets out provisions prohibiting discrimination on grounds of religion or belief in the provision of goods, facilities and services, education, the use and disposal of premises and the exercise of public functions.
The Department published guidance on meeting the religious and spiritual needs of patients and staff. It also launched the NHS Chaplaincy Guidance in November 2003, as part of the Department of Health's multi-faith approach to NHS chaplaincy. The guidance is aimed at ensuring that NHS chaplaincy services take account of the religious diversity of the communities it serves. Further information about the guidance can be obtained from the Chief Nursing Officer's (CNO's) office.
