What is Spiritual Care?

It is widely recognised that the spiritual is a natural dimension of what it means to be human, the essence of a person. Spiritual Care embraces religious and spiritual care for patients, families, visitors, staff and volunteers regardless of faith or life stance.

The need for spiritual care demonstrates that people are not merely physical bodies requring mechanical fixing. People find that their spirituality helps them maintain health and cope with illness, traumas, losses and life transitions by integrating body, mind and spirit. People, whether religious or not, share deep existential needs and concerns as they strive to make their lives meaningful and to maintain hope when illness or injury affects their life.

Among the basic spiritual needs that might be addressed within the normal, daily activity of healthcare are:

• the need to give and receive love
• the need to be understood
• the need to be valued as a human being
• the need for forgiveness, hope and trust
• the need to explore beliefs and values
• the need to express feelings honestly
• the need to find meaning and purpose in life

As part of the Patient and Family Support team, the hospice provides a spiritual care service. The Spiritual Care Advisor and volunteer chaplains, from varying denominations, work together to provide spiritual care and pastoral support to patients, families, visitors, staff and volunteers.

The hospice also has a room available to everyone for peace, meditation and prayer. It's always open and can be used freely.