Barred from last rites

sir – One of my elderly parishioners was very recently diagnosed with a terminal illness and taken to our local hospital. They had no next of kin, and a kind neighbour was the sole designated visitor.

My parishioner loved our church, and received great comfort from his faith, particularly in receiving the Sacrament. Knowing he was so near the end, I rang the ward to ask if I could visit him. I am triple-jabbed, as was he, but a visit was not allowed.

Fortunately, his neighbour is a person of faith who could comfort him, yet it would have been such a blessing had I been allowed to give him Holy Communion as his parish priest.

When will the NHS realise that, even in the current situation, spiritual health is important and life-giving to many people? The drawbridge approach in so many aspects of our health service is deeply depressing. Rev Michael J Maine

Cuckfield, West Sussex