The Royal Bolton hospital has opened a new multi-faith prayer room to accommodate Muslims observing the holy month of Ramadan.
“It never ceases to amaze me just how far people and organizations will go to make sure Bolton is a great place to work and live,” said Cllr Akhtar Zaman, the Mayor of Bolton, The Bolton News reported.
“I have lived in Bolton for 37 years and spent time working for the NHS.
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“Equality, diversity and inclusion work has taught me that the true value of creating an inclusive space is about bringing communities together and facilities like this achieve that.
“I can’t wait to see how much of a difference this makes to our wonderful town.”
The project, which will cater for communities of all faiths, was made possible thanks to thousands of pounds worth of donations from the public.
The £430,000 facilities include a newly refurbished mosque and temple that can welcome 100 worshippers.
In Ramadan
Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi was also among the guests at Monday’s ribbon cutting ceremony as were leading figures from the NHS trust.
“It’s a privilege to be able to open the facilities during the holy month of Ramadan,” Chief executive Fiona Noden said.
“We’re passionate about making sure people who come to work or to visit the hospital are able to bring their whole selves, and having a space to pray and practice their faith makes all the difference.
“We want all of our staff and patients to know just how much they are valued and cared for.”
NHS Charities Together CEO Ellie Orton said: “This charitable investment is a really unique and impressive way of improving staff and patient experience through spiritual wellbeing and valuing cultural diversity.
“We’re really proud to have been a part of this, and having listened to staff and various community groups in Bolton, there is no doubt this will be a very special space for years to come.”