though shall not judge

'Spiritual' assessment condemned

An audit showed nurses were in favour of more "spiritual" training

A scheme in which new hospital patients have their "religious and spiritual care needs" assessed has been condemned by the National Secular Society.

Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust said people would be asked whether they had "any faith needs that can be supported during their stay".

But the National Secular Society, which defends the rights of non-believers, said the move "misused NHS resources".

It said it sound as though hospital chaplains "were touting for business".