A British nurse who was fired for telling patients about her Christian faith was cleared last week following a two-year investigation.
Sarah Kuteh – who has 15 years of experience -- worked at Darent Valley Hospital. As part of her job, she was required to ask patients about their faith during a pre-operation assessment questionnaire. This naturally led to conversations with some patients about her Christian faith, according to Christian Concern, a United Kingdom organization.
“I would … reassure them, based on the joy and peace that I really have found in Jesus,” she said.
But a few patients complained, leading to her dismissal in June 2016. Even worse, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) placed restrictions on her future employment. She found another job, but due to the restrictions she was required to have a senior nurse oversee her.
“All I had done was to nurse and care for patients,” she said. “How could it ever be harmful to tell someone about Jesus?”
But last week, the NMC dropped the restrictions, clearing her name. The NMC ruled, “It is in the public interest to return an otherwise experienced and competent nurse into practice.”
She was represented by the Christian Legal Centre.
“But for the question on the pre-op assessment questionnaire, these conversations would not have taken place,” Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said in a statement. “Without proper investigation, she was fired and her long career as a nurse put under threat. Those who know Sarah recognise what a caring, hard-working nurse she is, and the professionalism she brings to her job. Although it’s disappointing that she was ever penalised for her actions – which were wholly motivated by compassion – we rejoice that Sarah is once again free to bring her skill and expertise to her role as a nurse.”
Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit his blog, MichaelFoust.com.
Publication Date: August 13, 2018
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