A Christian nurse who was suspended after offering to pray for the recovery of an elderly patient was yesterday asked to return to work.

Caroline Petrie, 45, was accused of failing to show a commitment to equality and diversity after the incident and has been awaiting the outcome of a disciplinary hearing.

Last night a statement from NHS North Somerset Primary Care Trust (PCT), for whom Mrs Petrie worked as a bank nurse, said: "NHS North Somerset has contacted bank nurse Caroline Petrie with a view to her returning back to work as soon as she feels able.

"We have always been keen to bring this matter to a timely resolution. It has been a distressing and difficult time for Caroline and all staff involved."

Mrs Petrie, a community nurse who carries out home visits in North Somerset, was suspended after she visited 79-year-old May Phippen, in Winscombe in December.

She asked "Would you like me to pray for you?" after putting dressings on her legs and the woman refused. It is believed the patient later raised the issue with senior NHS staff.

Mrs Petrie, a married mother-of-two, was suspended by the primary care trust and faced losing her job.

The news Mrs Petrie has been asked to return to work comes as the great-grandmother who inadvertently sparked the "no prayers" nursing row told the Western Daily Press she wished it would "blow over".

The story has made national headlines and sparked a debate about what is and is not acceptable in terms of religion.

But Mrs Phippen told the Daily Press yesterday: "It seems to have got blown out of all proportion. I never complained about it so I was surprised she was suspended. It's a shame it got that far but really she should be careful about what she says to people just in case they are offended."

Mrs Phippen is visited by a nurse daily. On that day it was Mrs Petrie.

"She was a nice lady and quietly spoken. I just hope it all blows over to be honest," said Mrs Phippen.

In its statement, the NHS trust said it had been "right to investigate".

It said: "We recognise the concerns raised by the many people who have contacted us about this situation. We feel we were right to investigate the concerns from people about Caroline's actions.

"We are always respectful of our patients' views, and we will always strive to ensure our staff meet professional standards.

"However, we are keenly aware of the importance of an individual's spiritual belief, and we recognise Caroline felt she was acting in the best interests of her patients.

"For some, prayer is seen as an integral part of health care and the healing process. That is why the NHS in North Somerset offers spiritual support such as chaplaincy and prayer rooms for people of all faiths.

"It is acceptable to offer spiritual support as part of care when the patient asks for it. But for nurses, whose principal role is giving nursing care, the initiative lies with the patient and not with the nurse.

"Nurses like Caroline do not have to set aside their faith, but personal beliefs and practices should be secondary to the needs and beliefs of the patient and the requirements of professional practice.

"We hope Caroline can return to work as soon as she feels able."