The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Religion, Belief and Cultural Practice Policy Meeting the needs of Patients and Carers

Transcription

1 The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Religion, Belief and Cultural Practice Policy Meeting the needs of Patients and Carers Version No.: 3.2 Effective From: 13 March 2018 Expiry Date: 13 March 2021 Date Ratified: 01 March 2018 Ratified By: Health Equality and Wellbeing Committee 1 Introduction Faith may be an important part of a person s life and patients, carers and staff considering their health, confronting illness, death or bereavement may have inner spiritual needs. It is important that staff do not rely on their general knowledge about a particular religion but ask questions or seek advice so that they can understand more about the individual s needs. Please contact the Trust Chaplaincy Team or find links to further information about religion and belief at the end of this document. 2 Scope This policy is intended as first line guidance for staff to help them consider some of the spiritual, religious, faith and cultural needs of patients and staff. The policy has been developed for use with adults/young people/parents/guardians/carers. The Chaplaincy Team can provide more detailed information and advice should you need it. 3 Aims The aim of this policy is to support staff in understanding the Religious and Cultural Practise of their patients and to meet any identified need 4 Duties (Roles and responsibilities) 4.1 The Executive Team is accountable to the Trust Board for ensuring Trust-wide compliance with guidance. 4.2 Directorate Managers and Heads of Service are responsible to the Executive Team for ensuring policy implementation. 4.3 The Chaplaincy Team are responsible for ensuring that the Spiritual and Religious needs of patients, relatives and carers and staff are recognised and provided for by all staff across the organisation. Chaplaincy will be a reference point for Spiritual/Religious matters within the organisation and a link with Religious/Community agencies outside the organisation. Page 1 of 6

2 4.4 Managers are responsible for ensuring policy implementation and compliance in their area(s). 4.5 Staff are responsible for complying with the policy 5 Definitions EDHR Equality, Diversity and Human Rights 6 Information about Trust Chaplaincy Services and support can be found on Standardprint.aspx 6.1 Questions that will help staff to find out about the religious and cultural needs of patients. Assumptions should not be made about what an individual believes and how it will affect their needs. It is important that staff make an assessment of a person s Spiritual/Religious /Pastoral Care needs. The following questions may help with your assessment: 6.2 General questions you may find useful to ask a patient: Do you have a faith, religion or belief that you would like us to be aware of? If yes: In hospital Do you have any specific religious practices you would like to observe whilst in hospital; how can we help meet these needs? Have you brought any objects of religious significance? If so, how should they be handled? Would you like us to contact anyone on your behalf? Is there anything else you would like to tell us or ask about your religion or belief? At person s home Do you have any religious practises or customs that you would like me to be aware of when I am visiting you at home? Questions about names: Page 2 of 6

3 The importance of naming systems should be acknowledged as names often reflect religious and cultural backgrounds. It should not be assumed that everyone has a first name and a surname. What is your full official name? Which is your personal name, which name (if any) is the family name Which name is your surname? How is your name pronounced What would you like to be called? Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your name? Questions about food and eating: Food may be an important part of religious observance, spiritual and cultural practice. Do you have any special dietary requirements? Are there foods which are advised, or to be avoided? Are there times that you will need to fast? (Be aware that fasting is not required on religious grounds for people who are ill, but they may still wish to fast.) Is there anything else you would like to tell us or ask about your food or eating? Link to fasting and diabetes guidance Questions about hygiene and appearance: Some items, especially jewellery, may be worn for religious and personal purposes rather than cosmetic reasons and as such need to be treated with respect. People have differing views about modesty; for example some people may not wish to show their bare arms except for examination. Do you have any jewellery, head coverings or clothing that have religious or cultural significance? Do you have any objections to the shaving of head or body hair if required? Do you have any preferences about skin care particularly in relation to the use of a shower or bath? Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your hygiene and appearance? Questions about birth: Page 3 of 6

4 Do you have any religious or cultural practises that you would like us to be aware of around delivery, the birth of your baby and after the baby is born? Question about death and bereavement Enabling an individual to die with dignity and respect for their spiritual or cultural needs, requires knowledge and skills. Help may be enlisted from a hospital chaplain or religious leader if the patient wishes this. If it is your role to talk to the patient or relatives about death and bereavement follow the guidance on the End of Life intranet site: Detailed Information about Major Faith Religious Practises can be found below : This includes practical information on issues such as practices in relation to birth, Death, prayer food and rituals multifaithresourcefor healthcarechaplains.p norbelief.aspx Training There is no stand-alone training relating to this policy. Training is incorporated into other training provided by the Chaplaincy Team and the Equality and Diversity Lead. Further support and guidance is available from the Chaplaincy Team. 8 Equality and Diversity The Trust is committed to ensuring that, as far as is reasonably practicable, the way we provide services to the public and the way we treat our staff reflects their individual needs and does not discriminate against individuals or groups on any grounds. This document has been appropriately assessed. Page 4 of 6

5 9 Monitoring compliance Standard / process / issue Review of referrals made by staff to the Chaplaincy Team Monitoring and audit Method By Committee Frequency Review the number of referrals made by staff to the Chaplaincy Team Chaplaincy Team Health Equality and Well Being Steering Group Annual Report to Patient Services 10 Consultation and review This policy has been reviewed by the Chaplaincy Team, Equality and Diversity Lead and Patient Services Matron. Consultation has taken place with the Health and Race Equality Forum and the policy reviewed by the Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Working Group members 11 Implementation (including raising awareness) A summary of the key changes will be notified to matrons. Awareness will be raised through the Trust Intranet; Chaplaincy and Equality Training arenas Further advice and guidance will be available from The Chaplaincy Team 12 References This policy is based on evidence within: NHS Chaplaincy Guidelines 2015, Promoting Excellence in Pastoral, Spiritual & Religious Care The Major Faiths Document; Embracing Diversity in Mental Health Care (2010) Equality Act 2010 Collated equality evidence Associated documentation Associated Documents can be found on the Trust Intranet Site at norbelief.aspx Page 5 of 6

6 Religion, Belief and Cultural Practice Policy Flow Chart At the first contact ask the patient about any religious and cultural practices they feel it is important for staff to know about. Record Information in the patient s notes. Record actions to meet any identified need and share with relevant staff If staff need advice and support in relation to the patients religious and spiritual needs contact the Chaplaincy Team via the switch board If staff need advice and support in relation to the patients cultural needs contact the Equality and Diversity Lead or Head of Nursing; Freeman Hospital Page 6 of 6

7 The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Equality Analysis Form A This form must be completed and attached to any procedural document when submitted to the appropriate committee for consideration and approval. PART 1 1. Assessment Date: 29/01/ Name of policy / strategy / service: Religion, Belief and Cultural Practise Policy 3. Name and designation of Author: Nigel Goodfellow ; Trust Head of Chaplaincy 4. Names & Designations of those involved in the impact analysis screening process: Nigel Goodfellow ; Trust Head of Chaplaincy, Katie Watson; Chaplain, Lucy Hall E&D Lead 5. Is this: Policy X Strategy Service Is this: New Revised X Who is affected: Employees x Service Users x Wider Community 6. What are the main aims, objectives of the policy, strategy, or service and the intended outcomes? (These can be cut and pasted from your policy) This policy is intended as first line guidance for staff to help them consider and meet some of the spiritual, religious, faith and cultural needs of patients. The Chaplaincy Team can provide more detailed information and advice. Page 1 of 7 Dec 2013

8 7. Does this policy, strategy, or service have any equality implications? Yes x If No, state reasons and the information used to make this decision, please refer to paragraph 2.3 of the Equality Analysis Guidance before providing reasons: 8. Summary of evidence related to protected characteristics Protected Characteristic Evidence i.e. What evidence do you have that the Trust is meeting the needs of people in various protected Groups related to this policy/service/strategy please refer to the Equality Evidence (available via the intranet Click A-Z; E for Equality and Diversity. Summary on front page and more detailed information in resources section) Does evidence/engagement highlight areas of direct or indirect discrimination? If yes describe steps to be taken to address (by whom, completion date and review date) Does the evidence highlight any areas to advance equal opportunities or foster good relations? If yes what steps will be taken? (by whom, completion date and review date) Race / Ethnic origin (including gypsies and travellers) The Chaplaincy service has an inclusive ethos and welcomes people of all ethnic backgrounds. Chaplaincy Team links to leaders of other faiths A staff survey to understand staff views and needs in relation to supporting children, families and carers from black and minority ethnic communities was undertaken. As a result of this additional spiritual, religious and cultural needs training was provided Interpreting Service and Policy Partnership work with the Health and Race Equality Forum Mandatory EDHR Training There is potentially a link between race and religion, as some religions have a bigger concentration in some ethnic groups. Religious affiliation can be seen as part of a national / cultural identity which would explain such a concentration. There is national evidence that lack of cultural understanding can impact on patient care. This policy is one way that the trust seeks to address this. No. understanding of cultural needs in relation to Page 2 of 7 Dec 2013

9 Spiritual and Religious needs training provided by Chaplaincy to multidisciplinary teams. Sex (male/ female) Religion and Belief Male and female Chaplains are available. Patients can request a Chaplain of the same sex if this is required. All Chaplains are required to undergo Safeguarding training which incorporates FGM Mandatory EDHR Training Spiritual and Religious needs training provided by Chaplaincy to multidisciplinary teams. The Chaplaincy Service has an inclusive ethos and is available for patients, carers and staff irrespective of an individual s Religion/Belief or no Religion/Belief and welcomes people of all ethnic backgrounds. All Chaplains have been employed on the understanding that their role is to support patients, relatives and staff irrespective of their Religion or belief. Where there is a specific requirement for the presence of a representative of a particular Religion/Belief group because their specific needs is beyond the scope of the Chaplains remit local contacts are used on a case by case basis. The contacts are provided by local Religious/Belief groups themselves. Mandatory EDHR Training According to the ONS 2011 Census, it appears that there is a difference between men and women in terms of their reported religion or belief. 62.8% of women compared to 55.8% of men report themselves as Christian. Males are more likely to report no religion (27.7%) compared to females (21.9%) (NHS England Chaplaincy Guidelines 2015; Equality Analysis) There is national evidence that lack of religious understanding can impact on patient care. This policy is one way that the trust seeks to address this. There were 4,400 religious hate crimes reported in the UK in The number of race hate crimes increased by 15 per cent (up 6,557, to 49,419 offences; Table 2) between 2014/15 and 2015/16. Over the same period, religious hate crime increased by 34 per cent. ( Hate Crime, England and Wales, 2015/16 Home Office) People of Muslim faith were most likely to report feeling unsafe at home and in their local area; approx. 49% compared to 35% of Christians (Is Britain Fairer 2016) Page 3 of 7 Dec 2013

10 Spiritual and Religious needs training provided by Chaplaincy to multidisciplinary teams. Sexual orientation including lesbian, gay and bisexual people Age Chaplaincy service has an inclusive ethos and welcomes LGB people. An inclusive approach is cultivated through training, supervision and contact with local community groups. An example of this is the blessing of civil partnerships and conducting same sex weddings within the Trust. Mandatory EDHR Training Spiritual and Religious needs training provided by Chaplaincy to multidisciplinary teams. Trust partnership work with MESMAC and Northern Pride LBGBT Staff Network with chaplaincy involvement Chaplaincy supports people from birth to death. Chaplaincy service has an inclusive ethos and welcomes people of all ages. An automatic alert for Chaplains has been developed around End of life careso that the Chaplaincy Team can assist staff with an assessment about patient and family s needs and ensure delivery of care in response to that assessment. The Chaplaincy department holds a range of memorial services for individual units across the organization to provide ongoing support to bereaved families Stonewall s report, Living Together, a survey with over 2,000 nationally representative people in the UK, found that people of faith are no more likely to be prejudiced against lesbian and gay people than anyone else. Many conventional religions conform to the heterosexist-norm, most being oppressive to LGBT people. (Mackereth and Ash 2010) Link to religion by age national data This demonstrates that older people are more likely a religious affiliation. This is reflected in the work of the Chaplaincy Team and referrals to the team. Page 4 of 7 Dec 2013

11 Disability learning difficulties, physical disability, sensory impairment and mental health. Consider the needs of carers in this section Reasonable adjustments are made for disabled people. An example of this is support to attend worship services. Chaplains and volunteers visit patients on the ward who may not be able to attend services. Worship spaces are accessible for disabled people. Large print materials are available According to the 2011 census, it does not appear to be any substantial difference in terms of religion or belief between disabled people and the general population. (NHS England Chaplaincy Guidelines 2015; Equality Analysis) Carers are supported by the team through visits and providing a safe space for difficult conversations. This is particularly important within Critical Care areas.. Gender Reassignment Marriage and Civil Partnership Spiritual and Religious needs training provided by Chaplaincy to multidisciplinary teams- includes importance of person centered care Trust Gender Identity Working Group Mandatory EDHR Training Trust partnership work with Be North Unconscious bias training Marriage and Civil Partnership ceremonies conducted by individual members of the Chaplaincy Team if required Some participants in the Trans Community Statement of Need Workshop considered that more and more Christian people/groups are accepting of trans people, others considered that some religions seek to damage trans rights and acceptance. (Trans Community Statement of Need Workshop Summary GEO 2011). The policy enables staff to ask questions about religion in an open but non- threatening way. There is no available quantitative data relating to religious affiliation by marriage and civil partnership within NHS services. (NHS England Chaplaincy Guidelines 2015; Page 5 of 7 Dec 2013

12 Maternity / Pregnancy Monthly fetal cremation service, Baby funeral and annual memorial services are all provided by the Department. Chaplains support families making difficult decisions about continuation of pregnancy in a sensitive way with due regard to peoples Religious/Faith and belief understandings. Equality Analysis) There is no available quantitative data relating to religious affiliation by pregnancy and maternity within the NHS. (NHS England Chaplaincy Guidelines 2015; Equality Analysis) Chaplains provide infant baptism, blessings and non- religious naming ceremonies 9. Are there any gaps in the evidence outlined above? If yes how will these be rectified? No 10. Engagement has taken place with people who have protected characteristics and will continue through the Equality Delivery System and the Equality Diversity and Human Rights Group. Please note you may require further engagement in respect of any significant changes to policies, new developments and or changes to service delivery. In such circumstances please contact the Equality and Diversity Lead or the Involvement and Equalities Officer. Do you require further engagement No 11. Could the policy, strategy or service have a negative impact on human rights? (E.g. the right to respect for private and family life, the right to a fair hearing and the right to education? No, the policy supports dignity and respect for patients. Page 6 of 7 Dec 2013

13 PART 2 Signature of Author Print name Date of completion (If any reader of this procedural document identifies a potential discriminatory impact that has not been identified, please refer to the Policy Author identified above, together with any suggestions for action required to avoid/reduce the impact.) Page 7 of 7 Dec 2013