Christians believe that about 2000 years ago God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. He was crucified, rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. The story of God's relationship with mankind is recorded in the Bible.

There are many different kinds of Christian churches, with differing structures, beliefs and rituals. A Christian's individual faith and religious practice will be influenced by the tradition of church they belong to as well as their own personal relationship with God.

Special considerations

Patients may wish to see a chaplain, or a minister from their local church, especially before an operation or anything else which is of concern to them. They may wish to receive Holy Communion and be prayed with. They may request a Bible or wish to attend services in the hospital chapel. The Chaplaincy Dept can facilitate arrangements in these matters.

Special Occasions

Christmas and Easter are the most important. Christians will usually wish to receive Holy Communion at these times.

Diet

There are no general dietary requirements but some may wish to observe Friday as a day when they do not eat meat. Fish and vegetarian alternatives should be made available. Some Christians may wish to abstain from food (fast) before receiving Holy Communion.

Some abstain from alcohol.

Baptism / Christening

When babies or children are very ill, baptism may be requested. When this happens it should be discussed freely with the parents and the Hospital Chaplain and if possible, clergy from their local church who should be involved if possible. The local clergy should be informed of the baptism if the parents of the child give their permission for disclosure.

There is no age limit for baptism.

In the absence of a minister of religion, anyone may perform a baptism. This is done by making the sign of the cross on a person's forehead. A little water is poured on the forehead (or any other accessible part of the body), with the words, " ...(Name)... I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

The hospital chaplain should be informed as soon as possible.

Death

If a child dies un-baptised the chaplain is available to offer a blessing and naming ceremony. This is particularly appropriate following a miscarriage or stillbirth. routine last offices are appropriate for all Christians.

Blood Transfusion, Post mortem, Organ Transplantation

No religious objection to these but the body should be treated with respect at all times.

Always ask the patient/significant others if they would like to see a Chaplain or would like you to make arrangements for their local minister to visit.

Church of England / Anglican

Prayers may be said at the bedside of the dying patient. Sometimes the family or the patient will ask to receive the "Sacrament of the Sick". This involves an anointing with holy oil.

After death some families may like to gather around the bed to give prayers of thanksgiving for the person's life.

Roman Catholic

The patient will probably wish to be visited by the Catholic Chaplain and to receive Holy Communion and the "Sacrament of the Sick", with anointing. This is not only for the dying, but for any who are sick, especially before an operation. The sacraments are very important to Roman Catholics. The Catholic Priest must be called to the dying patient or, if death is sudden, immediately afterwards

Free Churches

Adherents of the following denominations (and any others) should be recorded in the patients notes as such:

• Methodist
• Baptist
• The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
• Salvation Army
• United Reformed Church
• Pentecostal
• Plymouth Brethren
• Presbyterian
• Moravian
• Independent churches and missions

Free Church patients may like to receive a visit from the Minister, or a member, of their own church or the Free Church Chaplain. They will welcome prayers being said with them but ceremony and administration of the sacraments tend to be less important than in the Anglican and Catholic traditions.