Imam Farid Ahmed Khan is the first Muslim hospital chaplain in Wales

Imam Farid Ahmed Khan has been hired by the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport to look after the needs of Muslim staff and patients.

It is the first time that a Muslim spiritual leader has taken up a post like this in Wales.

Imam Khan had already spent a year volunteering at the hospital before being taken on.

His initial work had shown that there was "a real need for this position", he said, and he was looking forward to the future.

"I am available for religious and spiritual needs and also more practical everyday problems that can cause a person to worry when they are taken into hospital."

It is about breaking down barriers and working side by side with other faiths Imam Khan

Imam Khan joins a team of chaplains led by Reverend Alan Tyler at the hospital which already has a prayer and room and a chapel.

"Having Farid here is very important because although Newport doesn't have the biggest Muslim community in south Wales, Islam is the second largest faith after Christianity here," said the Rev Tyler.

"Being in hospital or receiving medical treatment can be a very emotional experience for anyone.

"The nurse and doctors have got jobs to do and very often don't have the time to spend with a patient talking about their worries that maybe aren't connected with their illness.

"He, along with the other chaplains also offer a pastoral service to the staff, and there are many Muslim staff working here who can now come to him if they want to."

Staff as well as patients at the hospital can ask the imam for help

Imam Khan has already helped a number of patients.

"We had a call from the palliative nurse team who were trying to help a Muslim man who was very distressed," said Rev Tyler.

"But though they were trying their best the situation only became better after Farid assisted the man and talked to him about his worries."

Imam Khan speaks six languages and is one of south Wales' most prominent Muslim leaders. He has had overwhelming support and letters of thanks for his new role.

"People in the street who I have seen in the hospital have come up to me and said hello and I have been so grateful for the support I have had.

"This is a really positive thing and I have already been approached by other hospitals who want to get their own Imam chaplains.