Buckinghamshire's hospitals are the first in the UK to recruit humanist as lead chaplain.

Lindsay van Dijk leads a team of three Christian chaplains and 24 volunteers from various religious backgrounds at the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust – and is the first humanist to join the team.

She previously worked for the Humanist Community at the world-renowned Harvard University as a pastoral carer and has previously held posts in a hospice and nursing home for elderly patients with advanced Alzheimer’s.

Ms van Dijk said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as lead chaplain and look forward to working with our multi-faith and belief team.

“Together, I know we can ensure people are able to receive the spiritual, pastoral and religious care that is right for them.

“We want patients, their families and staff across the Trust to know they can come to us for support in their time of need, irrespective of faith or non-religious beliefs.”

According to the Humanist UK website, humanists are “non-religious” people who can live “ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity”.

Chief executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, said: “We're delighted to see Lindsay appointed as the first humanist to lead a chaplaincy and pastoral support team.

“Our research shows that non-religious people want to be able to access pastoral care in hospitals that is provided by likeminded individual and Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust's move is a big step towards making that a reality.”