We see that Catholic chaplains in the NHS are having difficulty accessing members of their flock who are in hospital. The Data Protection Act, it seems, has come between them. It is illegal to disclose personal information to others so patients have to request a visit from a chaplain. And it appears patients are not asking.

Eye wonders about the NHS's track record on the matter of spiritual health. To browse the web you would think that this aspect of patient care is right up there with oxygen and antibiotics. Trusts parade their chaplaincy services on their websites in glowing terms. Some even register an on-call chaplain who could bring Communion to the bedside. In South Devon they have a special handbook listing all the requirements, dietary through to arrangements for death, of every faith (Eye notes we are listed under 'Free Churches' with no particular dietary requirements).
So what are the chaplains on about?

According to The Tablet, where this story appeared, one chaplain reports that his colleagues all over the country experience problems identifying Catholic patients. In his experience only 40% of patients in hospital were asked by staff if they wanted their religion to be recorded or if they'd like to see a chaplain.

Is there a problem here Friends? Are wards shirking in their responsibilities to spiritual wellbeing – after all, it is possibly the most important aspect in recovery. The editor says her Meeting quietly slipped off the chaplaincy rota of the local infirmary after a series of lacklustre meetings in the ward day room. 'No-one ever came' she recalls 'We played the piano to cheer ourselves up. Patients who did peer in turned on their Zimmers when they realised something religious was going on.'
This might be one of those Whitehall targets imposed on nurses which has failed to ignite their enthusiasm. Has any of your Meetings managed to engage with NHS staff to bring about a Quaker presence in the local hospital? Could you treat this as a matter of urgency Friends – the editor's Meeting is back on the rota and she is looking distinctly nervous.