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Christian Concern
UK News

Sacked Christian magistrate suspended by NHS Trust

by Hannah Tooley

69-year-old Richard Page was removed from the bench by the Lord Chancellor for his beliefs about marriage and family life.

The Christian Legal Centre, supporting him, claimed that he was told by NHS bosses that he has been suspended from his position whilst the NHS Trust Development Authority "considers whether it is in the interests of the health service" for him to remain in his post.

Richard Page's suspension comes three weeks after he was removed from office as a Justice of the Peace at Kent Magistrates.

Andrew Ling, Chair of the Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT) wrote to the NHS Trust Development Authority asking them to consider suspending Mr Page after his removal by the Lord Chancellor.

In the letter Mr Ling said that the comments, and continuance as a Trust member would have a major impact on staff, patients and "the perception of living the Trust values".

"The recent publicity you have courted is likely to further undermine the confidence staff, particularly Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) staff, have in the leadership of the Trust."

Richard Page was suspended as a magistrate to undertake "re-education training" in 2014 when he heard an adoption case and did not with colleagues that placing the child in the care of a same-sex couple would be in its interest.

He is appealing the decision to the Judicial Appointments Conduct Ombudsman.

Commenting on his suspension, Richard, who has worked in the field of mental health for 20 years, said: "It would appear no longer possible to be a Christian, to state what the Bible actually says and what the Church has believed for 2,000 years, and maintain a role in public life in today's Britain.

"My seat on the NHS Trust came as a result of my long service in mental health and total commitment to the NHS - none of that has changed."

Premier has contacted Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust and is awaiting a response.

 
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