In Patient care

Chaplains and spiritual care

At times of crisis in people’s lives such as serious illness or bereavement, many issues are raised which might be called “spiritual”.

This is not necessarily the same as “religious” – it may be, for example, how we are feeling about things that are happening in our lives or our relationships with others; we might have questions about the meaning of life or our basic beliefs. Spiritual care is an important aspect of the care offered in Pilgrims Hospices and patients will meet a wide variety of staff wo are sensitive to their spiritual needs.

Each of the three Pilgrims Hospices also has its own chaplain who is responsible for spiritual care within the multidisciplinary team. Each chaplain is available to all patients and their carers both in the community and in the in-patient units, whether or not they adhere to religious beliefs or practices. They also lead regular worship in the chapels and administer prayers and sacraments at the bedside when requested.

Community patients can request to see a chaplain through their specialist palliative care nurse or by ringing the hospice. In-patients may well meet a chaplain on their rounds or can request a visit via other staff - they will be available for you to talk to about anything you wish. They can also arrange a visit by a leader from one of the local faith communities at patients’ requests.

Each hospice has its own chapel, which is always open and available for patients and visitors. Each of these provides a beautiful space for quiet prayer, meditation or reflection as well as the services, which take place on Sundays for ward patients and carers and, for day hospice patients, during the week.

Pilgrims Hospice chaplains are registered with the United Kingdom Board for Health Care Chaplaincy. They are also members of the Association of Hospice and Palliative Care Chaplains and work to its Standards and Code of Conduct.

Next steps

Download our Spiritual needs leaflet
Download our Spiritual care policy

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