UNITED KINGDOM, March 2, 2023 – In an unverified incident, a Nigerian nurse working in the United Kingdom has reportedly been dismissed by the hospital management after being found praying for an elderly patient. The revelation came through Harvey Olufunmilayo, an online doctor, who shared the incident on his X handle, @drolufunmilayo, on Thursday.
While the authenticity of the claim is yet to be verified by PUNCH Metro at the time of this report, Dr. Olufunmilayo recounted the incident as a cautionary tale for Nigerian doctors relocating to the UK, advising them against incorporating religious practices into patient care.
According to the online doctor, the Nigerian health worker was not only terminated but also deported, purportedly for breaching the ethical guidelines that prohibit health workers in the UK from introducing religious elements into their professional duties. Dr. Olufunmilayo pointed out that in the UK, it is not customary for nurses to offer prayers for patients; instead, they can facilitate the involvement of a cleric to conduct religious services.
In his statement, Dr. Olufunmilayo emphasized, “Praying for your patient is seen as an abuse of trust and misuse of your position. You are expected to simply do and focus on your job.”
The alleged incident raises questions about the intersection of personal beliefs and professional responsibilities in the healthcare sector, highlighting the importance of adhering to the standards and regulations set by healthcare institutions in different countries.