Developing a spirituality strategy – why, how, and so what?

Abstract

The NHS in England and Wales has no modern, definitive standards to guide Trusts in setting up and running a service that supports patients’ Spiritual and Religious needs, although NHS Scotland has them. Some guidance exists but it is incomplete and difficult to apply to mental health and social care Trusts. There are no agreed definitions of spirituality or spiritual care, although NHS Trusts are mandated to respect patients’ religion and beliefs. A recent Department of Health in England publication giving practical guidance on aspects of “Religion or belief” was quietly sidelined after protests by religion and belief groups. Chaplaincy is not recognised as a profession allied to medicine in the United Kingdom, and chaplains themselves are divided over whether they wish to be so designated. Consequently, each NHS Trust is left to find a model for the delivery of holistic care that fulfils the expectations of those who practice a religion and those who don’t, within the boundaries of Human Rights legislation. This article recounts the story of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's attempts to rise to this challenge.

Keywords:

• spirituality
• strategy
• chaplains
• spirituality advocates