This is a wind up -yes? Please tell me it's a wind up!

Daily Star: IT'S NHS BEDLAM

Overworked nurses have been ordered to stop their work five times a day – and move Muslim patients’ beds to face towards Mecca. The procedure is creating turmoil among staff on NHS wards already struggling through a lack of beds. But Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust says the rule must be implemented whenever possible to ensure Muslim patients have “a more comfortable stay in hospital”. A taxpayer-funded training programme for hundreds of hospital staff has already begun to ensure they are familiar with the workings of the Muslim faith. The scheme is initially being run at Dewsbury and District Hospital, West Yorks, but is set to be expanded to other areas.

Maybe someone should teach the Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust about the workings of the Muslim faith. It is customary but NOT obligatory to face Mecca during prayer and there is no obligation on any Muslim too sick to pray to do so. The sick are also exempt from compulsory Friday group prayers. So it is perfectly possible for a bed-ridden Muslim to satisfy his or her religious obligations without the need for the hospital to play musical beds.