A DEDICATED nurse has told how she was suspended from her job and now faces disciplinary action for offering to say a prayer for an elderly patient.

Committed Christian Caroline Petrie, 45, could lose her job after offering to pray for the woman during a home visit.

North Somerset Primary Care Trust says she has been suspended "pending an investigation".

The married mother-of-two denies forcing her faith on anyone and said she was only trying to help by politely offering to pray for a patient.

Miss Petrie, of Weston-super- Mare, yesterday said: "I simply couldn't believe that I have been suspended over this.

"I knew I hadn't done anything wrong.

"All I am trying to do is help my patients, many of whom want me to pray for them."

The community nurse, whose job is to visit the homes of sick and elderly patients, says many appreciate her kind thoughts regardless of their religious beliefs.

But one female patient sparked the furore by complaining after Miss Petrie visited her home in December and offered to pray for her.

She said: "I had applied dressings to her legs and shortly before I left I said to her, 'would you like me to pray for you?'

"She said, 'No, thank you'. And I said 'OK'. I only offered to pray for her because I was concerned about her welfare and wanted her to get better."

Two days later, Miss Petrie said she received a message on her home phone telling her disciplinary action would be taken.

She has received previous warnings about promoting her faith at work. Last October she offered to give a prayer card to an elderly male patient in Clevedon, Somerset.

He accepted it but his carer raised concerns with the Primary Care Trust.

She was suspended without pay on December 17 and had an internal disciplinary meeting last Wednesday. She expects the outcome this week.

A spokesman for North Somerset Primary Care Trust said: "Caroline Petrie has been suspended pending an investigation into the matter.

"She is a bank nurse and she has been told we will not be using her in this capacity until the outcome of our investigation is known.

"We always take any concerns raised by our patients most seriously and conscientiously investigate any matter of this nature brought to our attention.

"We are always keen to be respectful of our patients' views and sensitivity as well as those of our staff."

Miss Petrie has taken legal advice from the Christian Legal Centre, which seeks to protect Christians and Christianity.

Paul Diamond, a leading religious rights barrister, has been instructed to handle the case.