SIR -I read with dismay that the chaplaincy of our hospitals is to be another target for economies (Worcester News, August 5).
When I was a consultant physician at the (then) Worcester Royal Infirmary, I often called for the help of the chaplain. I regarded this as part of the clinical care of my patients. I found the service invaluable.
The chaplaincy is as much part of patient care as the medical and nursing professions. It cannot be right to reduce to "one chaplain for the three hospitals" within the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.
I note that chief executive John Rostill has "regret" about the proposal to reduce the chaplaincy service in order to save money. He agrees that "this action will cause distress". Is this what we have come to - to cause distress to patients and their families?
I work from time to time in a hospital in Uganda where resources are much more scarce than here. The last service to be the focus of economies would be that of the chaplain. We regard the total care of our patients as paramount. To those who are to make these decisions I say: "Think again - and think hard!"
Dr DAVID TIBBUTT,
Retired consultant physician,
Worcester
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