Chaplaincy

The Chaplains try to support patients and their families who are living with the impact of a serious illness.

They are sometimes asked questions like:

• Why am I suffering like this?
• What have I done to deserve this illness?
• What sort of God permits an illness like cancer?

Often, there are few answers to these major questions.

Services are held in the hospice Chapel every Sunday afternoon to which patients and their families are invited. Four times a year, recently bereaved relatives are invited to a service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving for the life of their loved ones. These services are very well attended.

Chaplains also visit schools to talk about the hospice and to help students think about the impact of loss and to discuss the most appropriate way of caring for people whose life expectancy is quite short.

Chaplain Stephen Henwood says: "It is important that we try to understand and appreciate people's different backgrounds and expectations: some seem to derive comfort from being able to talk to the chaplain about all sorts of things; others may have specific issues. Sometimes they are seeking prayer and on other occasions we will be asked questions such as: "Who puts the peanuts out for the birds?"

Stephen adds: "The progression of a life-limiting disease often raises major issues".

Often patients have the need for:

• Affirmation and acceptance. The journey they have been on for a while has made them feel a burden on their loved ones who may have assumed the role of the main carer. Having to give up work because of illness can make people feel worthless.
• Forgiveness and reconciliation. This may be with themselves, with family or friends and with God. Looking back over life with its many experiences can be a very painful time for individuals.
• Meaning and direction. Naturally, this is different for everyone but often includes putting one's affairs in order or addressing one of the major questions listed above.
• I often find patients want someone to help them find an answer rather than someone to provide one. They may feel angry, but if that anger can be released then peace and comfort often follow.

Stephen added that we also recognize the importance of providing spiritual care for all our patients: "We do have contact with the leaders of the Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish and Sikh faiths. They are welcome to visit the hospice. We try to ensure the surroundings are appropriate for any religious ceremony which they want to celebrate."

Please contact us if you have any questions.