AN ATHEIST organisation has waded into a row over a Christian nurse suspended after offering to pray for an elderly patient.

The National Secular Society (NSS) has backed the suspension of Caroline Petrie, 45, who was accused of failing to show a commitment to equality and diversity after the incident.

The community nurse, who carries out home visits, was suspended by North Somerset Primary Care Trust and is now awaiting the outcome of a disciplinary hearing.

The married mother of two, who lives in Weston-super-Mare, said she did not force her beliefs on anyone but asked a woman if she would like a prayer said for her, as she has done with other patients.

Keith Porteous Wood, executive director of the NSS which represents the interests of atheists, agnostics and other non-religious groups, said it was inappropriate for health workers to "evangelise".

He said: "Medical practitioners are, quite rightly, not be permitted to offer religious services to patients.

"Their job is to provide medical services, not use their workplace as an opportunity to 'spread the word', their word and one which may well not be shared by their patients."

Mrs Petrie previously said she had seen her supplications have real effects on patients, including one Catholic woman whose urine infection cleared up days after she said a prayer. Mr Wood said: "This surely undermines the efforts of the doctors and her nursing colleagues."

The incident that led to Mrs Petrie's suspension happened after she visited a woman in Winscombe in December. She asked "Would you like me to pray for you?" after putting dressings on her legs.

The patient, understood to be in her seventies, is believed to have told the trust about incident.

Ms Petrie said: "I'm not angry, and I understand if people don't believe in the way that I do.

"I became a Christian 10 years ago after my mother died. My faith got stronger and I realised God was doing amazing things in my life. I saw my patients suffering and as I believe in the power of prayer, I began asking them if they wanted me to pray for them. They are absolutely delighted."