MAIL ONLINE: A Christian nurse was taken off frontline duties after she refused to take off a necklace bearing a cross.
Shirley Chaplin said she believed The Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust Hospital was trying to prevent her from expressing religious beliefs.
But the trust said the policy had nothing to do with the crucifix specifically, and was motivated by health and safety concerns about patients grabbing necklaces.
Mrs Chaplin, 54, from Exeter, said: 'For about 30 years I have worked in the NHS and nursed patients day and night and on no occasion has my cross caused me or anyone else any injury - and to my knowledge, no patient has ever complained about me wearing it.
'The Trust even refused to test the 'breaking strain' on the necklace.'
Mrs Chaplin, who is due to retire in eight months, added: 'Everyone I have ever worked with has clearly known I am a Christian: it is what motivates me to care for others.'
She claimed other members of staff have been allowed to wear necklaces.
The Trust said necklaces of all kinds were banned but admitted there may have been 'lapses'. >>> | Sunday, September 20, 2009
