A Christian hospital worker has resigned after she was told to stop wearing a crucifix at work.
In the latest religious symbol row, Helen Slatter left Gloucestershire Royal Hospital after being asked not to wear a gold chain and crucifix with her uniform. Slatter, who had worked at the organisation for five years, claimed the hospital made her choose between her religion and her job.
But a hospital spokesman said the request to remove the jewellery was prompted by health and safety needs. He said: “Necklaces and chains present two problems. They provide a surface that can harbour and spread infections. And a patient could grab a necklace or chain and cause harm to the member of staff.”
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are supportive of our employees’ religious beliefs and indeed the vast majority of staff feel able to work within the policies of the organisation without compromising those important beliefs.”
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Slatter was given the option of carrying the cross in her pocket but refused, the hospital said.
Late last year, a former member of staff at British Airways lost a similar case.
