Chaplains – how do we know them? Revd Debbie Hodge RN. BSc. MA. PGDE. RNT

What do chaplains do? The people  Hold primary responsibility for the spiritual, pastoral and religious care of patients, relatives and staff  Minister to patients regardless of denomination, faith or belief within the hospital environment as requested.  Work collaboratively and cooperatively with other members of the spiritual and pastoral care staff and with members of local faith communities in respect of the spiritual, pastoral and religious care of patients, carers and staff.  Provide a spiritual dimension to service developments.

What do Chaplains do? The Place  Development of an environment which enables the spiritual, pastoral and religious needs of the service user, carer or staff member within a designated sphere of responsibility.

The currency of the work- Spiritual pain and spiritual distress are the domains of chaplaincy care. Maintaining religious links and practices are important in maintaining individual integrity – supported by a growing evidence base that shows the efficacy of chaplaincy in terms of patient and staff care. (Canadian Nurses Association)

Spiritual Care is the right of all (Canadian Nurses Association)

Spiritual Care A way of being that enables the individual to make sense A way of being that enables the individual to make sense of the present moment, identify possible spiritual resources that sustain and then lead to the integration of body mind and spirit. of the present moment, identify possible spiritual resources that sustain and then lead to the integration of body mind and spirit. Enabling the individual to reach a place of wholeness……. Enabling the individual to reach a place of wholeness……. ‘Being with a sick person without judgement creates space for meaning to emerge and for the holy to be revealed’ ‘Being with a sick person without judgement creates space for meaning to emerge and for the holy to be revealed’ Emeth and Greenhut 1991 in O’Brien M E Standing on Emeth and Greenhut 1991 in O’Brien M E Standing on Holy Ground Jones and Bartlett Publishers Sudbury Mass. Holy Ground Jones and Bartlett Publishers Sudbury Mass.

The process of Chaplaincy Encounter Relationship Transaction Outcomes Next / renewed encounter ©D Hodge Feb 2011

Authorised or sponsored Major Faith Communities authorise their chaplains – see booklet Principles – In good standing in their faith community Committed to working with all faiths and denominations in the chaplaincy team Care for all patients, relatives, staff – of faith and of no faith Committee to continuing professional development

Authorisation As part of the recruitment process Post short listing Church of England / Free Churches /Roman Catholic Church / Other Faith communities Belief Groups

Sponsored Working as chaplaincy visitors / volunteers Sponsored from their faith community Accountable to the Chaplain Training and education programmes

Conclusion ‘when the fruits of modern medicine and the developments of scientific technology are combined with the establishment of caring relationships there is always a deeper outcome – that is spiritual care’ Booth H 1998 Health healing and wholeness. A James, Berkhampstead Booth H 1998 Health healing and wholeness. A James, Berkhampstead