Clinical Spirituality, Religion and Pastoral Care Policy & SOP Document Control Summary Status: Update of C/YEL/cm/iii v1.0 Version: v1.1 Date: 16-01-17 Author/Owner: Keith Shaw, Chaplain Kenny Laing, Deputy Director of Nursing Approved by: Policy and Procedures Committee Date: 19/01/2017 Ratified: Trust Board Date: 26/01/2017 Covers all Trust Vision, Values, Aims and Behaviours as shown Related Trust Strategy in Appendix 2 on page 9. and/or Strategic Aims Implementation Date: February 2017 Review Date: June 2018 Key Words: Wellbeing, support, care. Associated Policy or Included in document Standard Operating Procedures 1.0 Introduction... 1 2.0 Purpose... 2 3.0 Scope... 3 4.0 Duties & Responsibilities... 4 5.0 Chaplaincy Contact Details... 5 6.0 Training... 5 7.0 Monitoring Compliance & Effectiveness... 6 8.0 References... 6 Spirituality, Religion and Pastoral Care Policy Accessible version... 7 1.0 Introduction
1.1 South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is committed to providing a fair, equitable and professional Religious, Spiritual and Pastoral Care Service which meets the individual spiritual, religious and pastoral care needs of all service users carers and staff in innovative and creative ways. This policy has the Trust Vision, Values, Aims and Behaviours running through all through its thinking and practicalities.( Appendix 2.) 1.2 This Trust wide policy is not intended to be prescriptive, recognising that individual Divisions/ directorates need to interpret the policy in ways that are appropriate for that area, incorporating their specific operational guidelines and service user needs and in so doing promote a high quality standard of provision. 1.3 It is recognised that all staff will have a role in this important aspect of care with the help of the Chaplain. Operational implementation of this will be delivered through the Divisional/ directorate management structure. 2.0 Purpose 2.1 The policy is based upon an awareness that recognises the distinction between religion, belief and spirituality and the need of Pastoral Care for all. 2.2 Spiritual needs may not always be expressed within a religious framework. Spirituality is something within people which provides meaning, purpose, identity, beliefs and values and can be experienced in many different ways. 2.3 Religion and religious belief seek to encompass most, if not all aspects of spirituality but often find expression and meaning through a religious faith which provides a framework within which people understand, interpret and make sense of themselves, their lives and daily experiences. 2.4 The emphasis which the Trust s policy places on spirituality does not marginalise the significance of religion or minimise its duty to meet patient/service user s religious priorities or commitments. Religious belief is recognised as an essential part of many people s personal identity. Spiritual, religious and pastoral care will be available to people of all beliefs as well as those with no beliefs. 2.5 The Trust will provide pastoral care which is a model of care often associated with the caring activities of religious groups and organisations. It relies upon the sensitive and appropriate use of verbal or non-verbal, direct or indirect, literal or symbolic modes of communication which are aimed at preventing, relieving or facilitating patients, service users, carers or staff who are coping with anxieties, concerns and difficulties. Pastoral care does not always have a spiritual or religious dimension and can be both therapeutic and aid recovery. 2.6 The Trust will continue to value traditional models of chaplaincy and multi-faith and multi- cultural aspects of spiritual, religious and pastoral care provision. The Trust will also seek to understand and develop new ways of working to support the spiritual and pastoral care needs of all.
3.7 The Trust will actively promote amongst all professions an awareness of and practical application of, the importance of spiritual, religious and cultural dimensions in individual s lives. 2.8 The Trust will ensure that all service users/carers/staff are treated fairly and respectfully within a context that challenges discriminatory beliefs and potentially harmful behavior. 2.9 The Spiritual and Pastoral Care Service will actively challenge stigma in all its forms, promote inclusion and understanding and challenge inequalities in service provision in a supportive and appropriate manner. To offer a range of worship opportunities for service users. Service user s spiritual and cultural needs/aspirations will be Staff will be supported to assess and address their Spiritual and Pastoral needs Working in partnership with local faith communities. Service delivery is responsive to service users and carers involvement and feedback through collaborative We will work with partners to expand religious and cultural opportunities and offer choice The Trust will inspire staff to recognise the value of Spirituality in the recovery process. Shape and influence improvements with the help of staff and service user groups. We are committed to meeting all requirements. 3.0 Scope
3.1 The Trust will ensure that both hospital and community base patients/service users/carers and staff have access to appropriate pastoral care especially at times of personal distress and Crisis. Support will be provided in a variety of ways depending on individual needs and within the practical constraints of each Directorate and/or Division. 3.2 The Trust will ensure that all service users/carers/staff are treated fairly and respectfully within a context that challenges discriminatory beliefs and potentially harmful behavior. 3.4 Ensure that appropriate questions are asked on admission of service users regarding their faith and that they are given the availability of the chaplaincy service. 3.5 Contact the Chaplain when any sudden death occurs involving service users or staff so support can be offered to teams. 4.0 Duties & Responsibilities 4.1 There is an individual responsibility for all staff employed within the Trust to ensure that they are familiar with this policy and recognize the importance of meeting individual service users spiritual and pastoral care needs. This can be done through ensuring all staff have access to this policy and are familiar with the Trust Chaplains contact details for further advice and information. 4.2 Operational service managers are responsible for enacting this policy within their respective areas of service. 4.3 The Trust Lead Chaplain is responsible for; The implementation of the Trust s policy regarding the provision of spiritual, religious and pastoral care and will provide direction, strategic vision, leadership and support. Raise awareness throughout the Trust of the need to respect individual s religious and spiritual beliefs and to ensure spiritual and religious needs and practice are met wherever possible. Ensure that staff and volunteers receive appropriate information with regards to the Chaplaincy service commensurate with their role. Ensure that links with religious organisations, faith and social communities and cultural groups are maintained and further developed in order to enable the wider community to contribute to the development of the spiritual, religious and pastoral care provided to patients/carers and staff. Provide strategic support in the development of models of care appropriate to the spiritual and pastoral needs of individuals within the Trust which recognise the differing aspects of their lives, including spiritual, religious, cultural, racial and community dimensions
Provide advice, support and help to clinical staff on all matters relating to spiritual, religious and cultural needs e.g. the appropriate use of symbols, religious artefacts, rites and rituals within a Health and Social care setting. 5.0 Chaplaincy Contact Details 5.1 Procedure for Accessing the Chaplaincy service. 5.2 The service is provided trust wide and is available Monday to Friday 8am 4pm, normal working rota and contact details are listed below. In accordance with the need of patients and staff the chaplain works flexibly. 5.3 If it is out of normal hours messages can be left on the Chaplains mobile or office number and he will respond as soon as possible. The trust does not have an on call service but the chaplain is very committed to supplying the best possible service that is possible within his time availability. E mails are also responded to as soon as possible. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Morning Redwoods Stafford. Redwoods Stafford. Afternoon Tamworth. Redwoods Stafford. Redwoods Stafford. 5.4 Chaplain Contact Details: Revd. Capt. Keith Shaw CA. Hospital Chaplain South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Spiritual/Pastoral Care Centre St. Chads House Corporation Street Stafford ST16 3AG Tel: 0300 790 7000 Ext: 8562 (Stafford) 01743 210001 Ext: 6001 (Shropshire) Mobile: 0781 466 1043 E-mail: keith.shaw@sssft.nhs.uk *secured e-mail: keithshaw@nhs.net *Please inform me should you send any emails to my NHS Net Account. (This email account is not checked daily) 6.0 Training 6.1 An introduction to religion is provided within the Equality and Diversity induction training Programme alongside cultural competency training.
6.2 Specific elements and/or training will be provided on an ad hoc basis by the Chaplain and Dignity Respect lead. 7.0 Monitoring Compliance & Effectiveness 7.1 Effectiveness and compliance will be monitored by the Lead Chaplain. 7.2 This will be achieved by the monitoring of activity and audit as indicated. 8.0 References NHS Chaplaincy: Meeting the Religious and Spiritual needs of Patients and Staff (2003) The Human Rights Act (2000) Equality Act (2006) Mental Health Act (1983)
Spirituality, Religion and Pastoral Care Policy Accessible version Spirituality means being yourself and being able to do the things that are important to you which will help you to get well. There are 3 parts Spirituality, Religion and Pastoral Care Religious care helps you to practice your own Religion. Spiritual care may not involve being religious. It may be something like Yoga, art or gardening.
Someone in need of pastoral care means helping anyone who is upset. It provides comfort and support for people who use our services and staff. The Trust wants to make it easy for people to access these 3 things which will be part of care plans.