Title: What do patients say? Presenter: Andrew Nee

What difference can pastoral care make? Kirsty Neilson There’s no humour in darkness Gary McDonald - artist Kirsty Neilson Finalist 2016 Archibald Prize There’s no humour in darkness

Project aim: To elicit feedback from patients who engage with pastoral practitioners while in hospital. 95 Bed Psychiatric hospital 3 month project – Feb to April

The Research process: PROM- tool 80% completion rate 99 completed questionnaires 40 % men & 60% women 50% were aged 16-45 Most saw pastoral services less than 5 times for 30mins or less

Do you think your interactions with members of the Pastoral Services team had a significant and positive impact on your mental health? Yes: 84.6% No: 9.1% 6 did not answer the question

During my most recent meeting with Pastoral Services: I spoke with Pastoral Services about issues that I would not be comfortable discussing with doctors, nurses & psychologists. Most or all of the time: 34.5% Some of the time: 30.5% Seldom or not at all: 35%

During my most recent meeting with Pastoral Services: Most or all of the time: Issues to do with emotional health/wellbeing 87% Talk about what was on their mind 95% Their faith & beliefs were valued 99% Felt their situation was understood/acknowledged 92%   Patients reported they discussed

Pastoral care isn’t just for ‘religious’ people I see myself as a spiritual person 85.4% I believe in God or some Higher Being 85.6% I am a religious person 53.5% I feel a need to experience love and belonging 93.8% I feel a need to find meaning and purpose in life 90.9% I feel a need to be hopeful 93.8% I feel I have something to be hopeful about 86.8% I feel I am in more control of my situation 82.8% ‘some’, ‘most’ or ‘all of the time’

   88% of patients felt that their anxiety had decreased to some degree after meetings with pastoral services Most or all of the time Could be honest about themselves and how they were feeling (85%) Gained a better perspective of their emotional health & wellbeing (65%) Things seemed under control again (53.5%) Felt a sense of peace that they had not felt before (54%)  An additional 30% on average suggested the above were the case ‘some of the time’

It was extremely helpful for me to speak to someone and feel that they listened to me without judgment. It helped me better process my thoughts. The pastoral carer sharing their life experience also made me feel reassured that I was not alone and more hopeful about the future. My one-on-one sessions were helpful to me, particularly early on because I was feeling high anxiety. It was helpful to have someone who is not in a hurry to sit and patiently listen and validate how I feel with kindness and compassion.

The opportunity to open up without judgement of social stigma helped me see the value I place on my spiritual wellbeing I feel like the team was always there, kind of on demand. It also felt like I wasn't being a burden or annoyance. It added a dimension to my care that is an ally. It felt more personal. They made it feel like I always had someone in my corner.

to ourselves with compassion helps lessen our pain ‘I realised listening to ourselves with compassion helps lessen our pain and suffering.’