wfn.org | Churches Focus on NHS Crisis in Ethics, Values and

["EAUK Press Office" <press@eauk.org>]

Morale.
Immediate Release:  1st July 1998

As the NHS approaches its 50th anniversary the organisers of 
the nationwide Health Care Sunday, which this year will be held 
on October 18th, say it has never been more important to pray 
for all those working in healthcare.

A coalition of organisations representing Christians in health
care feels the NHS may be facing the biggest crisis at any time
in its 50 year history.  

Dr Andrew Fergusson, general secretary of the Christian Medical
Fellowship, said: "We are calling on churches to pray for an end
to the erosion of the nation's Christian heritage, which has
created ethical confusion within healthcare.

"There have also been changes in what values mean in society. 
People are increasingly encouraged to look after their own
interests, while older values of caring for your neighbour are
being abandoned.

"We also need to pray about the loss of morale and the developing
staffing crisis in the National Health Service.

On Health Care Sunday, in addition to being invited to pray for
all health workers, churches will be encouraged to use the
opportunity to think about how they can support members of their
own congregations involved in the Health Service.

The NHS, founded in 1948 to popular acclaim, was controversial
with health professionals before its launch.  Notwithstanding its
many problems, the NHS has developed to become one of the best
health care systems in the world.  Its 50th anniversary will be
celebrated on 5th July.

Health Care Sunday is promoted by a number of organisations,
including: Christians in the Caring Professions, Christian
Medical Fellowship and Healthcare Christian Fellowship.

Information leaflets are available from the organisers, by
sending a stamped self addressed envelope to Healthcare Christian
Fellowship, 349 Beersbridge Road, Belfast, BT5  5DS.

ENDS

For further information, contact:

Keith Ewing, kewing@eauk.org 
0171 207 2116 or + 44 171 207 2116 

or
Gavin Drake, gdrake@eauk.org
0171 207 2117 or + 44 171 207 2117

Evangelical Alliance UK,
Whitefield House,
186 Kennington Park Road,
London, SE11  4BT

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