Frequently Asked Questions:
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- How do the team help?
- Who are the Spiritual Care Team?
- How can I ask to see a member of the team?
- If I am a practising Christian what can you do to help me whilst I am in the hospice?
- What if I am not a Christian?
- What about my own church, minister or faith leader?
- Is there a chapel?
The role of Spiritual Care at St Catherine’s is to enable those living with illness to reflect on, and find meaning, in their experiences.
At times of crisis in people's lives, many issues are raised which might be called ‘spiritual’. Spirituality is a highly subjective and personal concept and for some people the quest for spirituality will be expressed in religious terms.
The spiritual care team help people discover their own meaning, direction, purpose and answers, regardless of faith and belief.
How do the team help?
By providing an open, sensitive, listening ear. Every individual has their own spiritual needs and concerns and will use their own coping mechanisms in dealing with problems.
Our Spiritual Care Team will help you to explore your thoughts and feelings. For example, feelings about the things that are happening in your life, or your relationships with others; or questions about the meaning and purpose of life and your beliefs.
You will not be ‘preached at’ or pressured to accept anything that you are not comfortable with.
Who are the Spiritual Care Team?
Two Spiritual Care Co-ordinators, one full-time and one part-time, are supported by qualified and experienced volunteers. If you are admitted as an in-patient a member of the team will come and introduce themselves to you. The team also work closely with the Day Hospice staff.
How can I ask to see a member of the team?
If you would like to speak to a member of the Spiritual Care Team, just tell any member of staff on the wards or in Day Hospice and they will pass on your request.
If you are receiving care at home please call directly to arrange a meeting on 01293 447343 or ask your St Catherine’s Community Nurse to pass on your details.
If I am a practising Christian what can you do to help me whilst I am in the hospice?
You may wish to receive Holy Communion or prayers, perhaps with anointing, at your bedside. Your own minister is very welcome to come in to see you or ask one of the Spiritual Care Team who will be pleased to pray with you.
Services of prayer and reflection are held weekly in the Quiet Room. They are non-denominational and last about 20 minutes. Services are held on different days to allow Day Hospice patients the option of attending.
Notices of service details are posted in the Quiet Room, Day Hospice and in other places around the Hospice. All are welcome to attend.
What if I am not a Christian?
Central to hospice philosophy is a profound respect for the beliefs of every individual. The Spiritual Care Team is there for anyone being cared for by St Catherine’s, who may be of any faith or no faith. We are also in close contact with a number of other faith leaders in the community who are willing to be called on for advice or a visit.
What about my own church, minister or faith leader?
If you are a member of a church or other faith community, then your minister or faith representative is very welcome to visit you in the Hospice. They are also welcome to bring Holy Communion or other sacraments on behalf of your own church/ faith. Please let a member of staff know if your minister/ faith representative is planning to visit you.
Is there a chapel?
No, we don’t have a chapel because although St Catherine’s Hospice is named after a Christian saint, it is not a religious organisation.
Instead we have a Quiet Room offering peace and quiet for reflection or prayer, for people of any faith or none. It houses a small library of spiritual and religious books.