Michael Foster said it was the wrong way to make savings

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust aims to save �100,000 by getting rid of six out of seven hospital chaplains.

It would leave one chaplain to carry out spiritual care at hospitals in Redditch, Worcester and Kidderminster.

Worcester MP Mike Foster said he had written to the trust to urge it to reconsider the decision saying it was the wrong way to be saving money.

"I have listened long and hard to the concerns expressed over this decision," said Mr Foster.

Spiritual support denied

"I am not supporting any one particular faith group when suggesting to the trust that they look again at their decision.

"To withdraw spiritual guidance in the manner suggested to save money is inappropriate and I have urged the trust to think again."

One chaplain will cover three hospitals

Two Anglican chaplains, three Roman Catholics and another from the Free Church would get the axe.

The decision has already been criticised by Christian leaders and a union representing health workers.

The Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham, Vincent Nichols, said some groups needed chaplains of their own faith and said the Human Rights Act may be breached.

The Anglican Bishop of Worcester also attacked the plans, as did the union Amicus, saying terminally-ill patients will be denied proper spiritual support.

John Rostill, trust chief executive, has said cuts were needed to fulfil the trust's primary duty of providing clinical care to its patients.

He said: "We know that this action will cause distress.

"However, the need to maintain the level of clinical roles and medical and nursing expertise is of paramount importance.