Iain Mair, executive director of Gideons International UK headquarters in Lutterworth, said the charity is saddened. He said: "Hospital bosses have told us our Bibles could offend non-Christians and increase the spread of MRSA.

"However, I've spoken to doctors and they have said that to claim an MRSA risk is nonsense. It is ridiculous that they think having Bibles in lockers discriminates against other religions.

"We have told them we will put a note beside our Testament advising patients who to contact if they wish a book of another faith."

Hospital managers are meeting tomorrow to discuss whether the tradition of placing Bibles at bedsides should continue at the General Hospital, Glenfield and Leicester Royal Infirmary. There are also concerns Bibles could increase the risk of spreading superbug MRSA if they became contaminated with body fluids.

Mr Mair said the charity commissioned a surgeon and microbiologist to carry out a study, which concluded Bibles do not increase infection.

Hospital managers also want to ensure all Gideons volunteers undergo a criminal record check, which the charity has agreed to.

A spokeswoman for University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust confirmed discussions are taking place.

Talks involve the hospital chaplaincy, volunteer services, infection control and service equality departments.

She refused to say who had proposed the discussions within the trust, and would not reveal when a decision would be reached. She said: "Discussions are still in the early stages, meaning no proposals have yet been put forward by staff and no final decision has yet been made on this issue.

"Regardless of the outcome of the discussions, patients can be reassured that religious texts will continue to be made available at the trust's three hospitals through the chaplaincy."

A spokeswoman for the Diocese of Leicester, said: "There is a long tradition of Bibles being readily available for those who are in need of spiritual as well as physical help. People need this consolation at hospital and may need to reach for a Bible in the middle of the night for comfort and solace."

Other faith leaders are also keen for the Bibles to stay. Suleman Nagdi, spokesman for Leicestershire's Federation of Muslim Organisations, said: "This is a Christian country and it would be sad to see the tradition end."

Sikh chairman of the Council of Faiths, Resham Singh Sandu, said: "I don't think many ethnic minority patients would object to having the Bible in a locker. There is no need to get rid of them."

Tim Jenkin, 53, from Oadby, who has written to the hospitals to express his anger, said: "Denying one sector of the community the opportunity to express its faith is a backward step."

END