Offering spiritual support to dying patients and their families through a chaplaincy service

Pugh, Edwin J MBBS, FRCP
Smith, Susan MSc, BSc, RN
DipCoun DipSW, Paul Salter

AUTHORS Edwin J Pugh, MBBS, FRCP, is professor in palliative care, University of Teesside, and consultant in palliative medicine, North Tees and Hartlepool Foundation Trust; Susan Smith, MSc, BSc, RN, is executive director of nursing; Paul Salter, DipCoun, DipSW, is chaplaincy coordinator; both at North Tees and Hartlepool Foundation Trust.
ABSTRACT Pugh EJ et al (2010) Offering spiritual support to dying patients and their families through a chaplaincy service. Nursing Times; 106: 28, 18-20.
Despite its importance in end of life care, spiritual care is poorly addressed. This article presents the results of an innovative service in which nurses notify hospital chaplains of all patients placed on the Liverpool Care Pathway and the chaplains then visit to offer spiritual support to both patients and their carers.
Nurses reported that the service was valuable not only for patients and their families but also for themselves and the whole clinical team. All nurses said they wanted the service to continue.
Spiritual care involves giving time and compassionate attention to dying patients and their families. A trust explains how an innovative chaplaincy service was set up

Nursing Times 106(28):p 18, July 20, 2010.

ABSTRACT Pugh EJ et al (2010) Offering spiritual support to dying patients and their families through a chaplaincy service. Nursing Times; 106: 28, 18-20.

Despite its importance in end of life care, spiritual care is poorly addressed. This article presents the results of an innovative service in which nurses notify hospital chaplains of all patients placed on the Liverpool Care Pathway and the chaplains then visit to offer spiritual support to both patients and their carers.

Nurses reported that the service was valuable not only for patients and their families but also for themselves and the whole clinical team. All nurses said they wanted the service to continue.