25 May 2010
W100436-hlth
THE IMPORTANCE OF SPIRITUAL CARE IN THE NHS RECOGNISED
The important role that spiritual and faith services in the NHS have in supporting patients, staff and families is recognised in new guidance published today [25 May 2010] by the Welsh Assembly Government.
The guidelines acknowledge that healthcare chaplaincy has long played a key role in the NHS and that it is becoming increasingly important to understand and provide for the diverse spiritual and faith beliefs that exist throughout Wales today.
They aim to ensure NHS organisations in Wales provide access to spiritual and religious care consistently to those who need it, regardless of their beliefs, cultural background or lifestyle.
Spiritual care services include the availability of a chaplain or spiritual care-giver to offer advice and guidance, facilities in which to practice religion or faith such as a prayer room and the understanding of different healthcare practices required for different beliefs and faiths.
Mrs Hart said: “Many people, religious or not, need support in their life, especially in times of crisis or when they are extremely vulnerable and in need of comfort. It would be easy to assume that people with religious belief leave their faith at the door when they enter hospital or go to see their doctor, but we know that the opposite is often true.
“I want the NHS in Wales to be aware of and care for the diverse spiritual, cultural and religious needs of all the people who use services.
"By supporting people in this way when they are most in need complements other support from health professionals and indeed can reduce the long-term cost and pressure on the health service.
Newyddion News “I am expecting all NHS organisations across Wales to work towards implementing these standards and provide support to their staff so it becomes part of the day-to-day work of the health service.
“I have discussed the guidance and standards with senior figures in the Church and they are supportive. I will review the standards in a year to see if they are working well. “
Notes:
Link to the standards: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/health/publications/health/guidance/spiritualcarestandards/?lang=en
The standards for spiritual care have been linked to Doing Well, Doing better – Standards for healthcare services in Wales, which provides the framework for the delivery of high quality and safe healthcare in Wales. See: http://www.nhswalesgovernance.com/display/Home.aspx?a=130&s=2&m=0&d=0&p=0
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Respecting people and recognising everyone is different and has unique needs and wishes is part of the Fundamentals of Care – the Welsh Assembly Government’s guide for health and social care staff to ensure quality of care. See Fundamentals of Care: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/documents/booklet- e.pdf
Synopsis of the guidelines: • Spiritual and religious care – the spiritual and religious needs of all patients should be assessed and addressed including providing facilities for prayer, ceremonies etc exploring the patients sense of meaning and purpose in life and their attitudes and beliefs around life and death. It also includes protecting patients and their carers from unwanted visits from spiritual or religious groups and representatives.
• Access to spiritual care services – all patients should be made aware of the spiritual care services that are available to them and how to access them.
• Working with faith communities and belief groups – NHS staff should have access to the principle beliefs and practices of different faiths and how these may have impact on the care that they provide. Links should be maintained between the NHS and the local faith community and belief group leaders.
• Staff support - The spiritual care service will build relationships with members of staff and volunteers and provide personal and professional religious and spiritual support.
• Education, training and research - The spiritual care service will ensure that there is opportunity for professional development for chaplains/ spiritual care-givers, that NHS staff are educated about the services and what is available and that current research and best practice is kept up with.
• Resources – There should be access to a chapel or prayer room acceptable for the observance of all faiths, private areas for confidential support for patients and carers and that spiritual care- givers are available for a sufficient amount of time to meet the needs of the patient.
• Spiritual care to the hospital or unit - The spiritual care service is included in the hospital or unit’s policies and procedures for responding to major incidents. It should also respond to death or illness in a member of staff, unusual patient or family events or national disasters or world events.
The table below (2001 census) shows the proportion of the Welsh population and their religious identity.
People % in Wales % in UK Christian 2,087,242 71.9 71.6 Buddhist 5,407 0.2 0.3 Hindu 5,439 0.2 1.0 Jewish 2,256 0.1 0.5 Muslim 21,739 0.7 2.7 Sikh 2,015 0.1 0.6 Other religions 6,909 0.2 0.3 All Religions 2,131,007 73.4 76.8
No Religion 537,935 18.5 15.5 Not stated 234,143 8.1 7.3 All no Religion/ Not stated 772,078 26.6 23.2
Base 2,903,085 100 100
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