LONDON, ENGLAND, December 10, 2008: Health Secretary Alan Johnson and the Hindu Forum of Britain will launch the first ever guide to help health professionals provide care to Hindu patients at the House of Commons today.
Endorsed by national Hindu organizations, “Caring for Hindu Patients” aims to enhance health professional’s awareness of issues important to the care of Hindus and to provide an insight into how services may be provided sensitively with respect for Hindu values, practices and world views. With a brief and cohesive overview of Hinduism, and a short examination of the population’s demographic diversity, the book explores issues including language, dress, diet and festivals with emphasis on their practical relevance to healthcare professionals.
“This book will help us diagnose and care for Hindu patients, but goes beyond this on a journey that makes us far better health carers. It teaches us to speak the ‘language’ of all our patients,” said Sam Everington OBE, former deputy chair of the British Medical Association.