Discussions are currently taking place debating whether Bibles should continue to be placed next to beds in hosptials. The discussions are taking place between the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, the chaplaincy, infection control and service equality and volunteer service, and are concerning Bibles provided in patient's bedside lockers at the Leicester General Hospital, Leicester Royal Infirmary and Glenfield Hospital.

As Leicester has one of Britain's largest ethnic minority populations, hospital chiefs are considering removing bedside Bibles, which have been distributed for more than 100 years by the Gideons International missionary organisation. The issue has been raised due to worries that the religious texts could offend people from other faith groups who are receiving treatment, as well as a fear that Bibles may spread MRSA infection.

"They say it's discriminating against people of other faiths, but I could show many letters received in our office expressing an appreciation for the testaments. We have told the Trust that we will put a note beside our Testament to advise patients who to contact if they wish a book of another faith," expressed Iain Mair, an executive director of Gideons International.

Mr. Mair said that the charity commissioned a microbiologist to carry out a study on the risk of infection as some doctors had claimed, but the MRSA risk appeared to be nonsense. He also expressed that he felt very sad that in a country that had been Christian for so long "we have got people that consider the Bible to be offensive."

"There is a long tradition of Bibles being readily available for those who are in need of spiritual as well as physical help. People need this consolation at hospital. For example they may need to reach for a Bible in the middle of the night for comfort and solace," stated spokesman of the Diocese of Leicester.

"Regardless of the outcome of the discussions, patients can be reassured that religious texts will continue to be made available at the Trust's three hospitals through the chaplaincy," said Mr. Mair