The creation of guidelines on the religious and cultural needs of patients was called for to help staff care for patients with specific religious and cultural needs, according to an article on the Belfast Telegraph.

Aiman Alzetani, a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at Southampton General Hospital, said the current lack of basic training and information for healthcare professionals across the UK had created "obstacles" for staff and "disconnected" them from some patients.

"It can be a source of frustration for clinical staff when patients do not seem to be co-operating but, in the case of Muslim patients for example, it could be something as simple as someone trying to pass them food in their left hand, which they wash with, instead of their right.

He said he would now push for the development of a pocket or ward-based guide on all religions and cultures for use across the NHS, as well as the introduction of staff "culture champions" in hospitals to offer advice, training and support.

Read the article.