Singing from the same hymn sheet

Numan Ahmed (ROH Muslim Chaplain) and Rev John Hall (Trust Chaplaincy Co-ordinator).

A NEWLY refurbished £18,000 multi-faith prayer room at the Royal Oldham Hospital is now officially open.

The facility, known as The Garden Room, has been spruced up for use by patients, their relatives and staff.

It now contains upgraded washing facilities for Muslims as well as a designated space for female users.

The revamped area has been funded by the Pennine Acute Trust capital programme and is in addition to the chapel at the hospital and is open to people of all faiths.

Dr Faizan Ahmed, who trained as a junior doctor at the Royal Oldham Hospital last year, wrote to the trust on behalf of staff for a new facility.

He said: “There was a staff and patients’ area for prayer but it was essentially just a room and not fit for purpose. It’s a new bespoke prayer space, and the trust’s spiritual care team, led by the Right Reverend John Hall, have been involved in the plans.”

Attending the official opening was John Wilkes, director of facilities at the trust, hospital staff and representatives from different faiths who said prayers and gave thanks for the new facility.

Chapels and prayer rooms are available at each hospital run by the Pennine Acute Trust in Oldham, Rochdale, Bury and North Manchester.

A trust spokesman said: “We are pleased to see the completion of the refurbishment of the prayer room, known as The Garden Room, at The Royal Oldham Hospital.

“In addition to the hospital chapel, The Garden Room, which is available to patients, their relatives and our staff was always well-used despite the inappropriate washing facilities for male and female users of the Muslim faith.

“The washing facilities have also been upgraded within the refurbishment.

“The Garden Room now has properly designated space for female users.

“The facilities at The Royal Oldham Hospital are now of a similar standard to the other hospitals within the trust.”