SACH
News Sheet No 7 October 2001
A World of Opportunities
By Ian McDonald
Chaplain Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy
There’s a world of opportunities for chaplaincy volunteers - so declared the publicity for a new development within chaplaincy at the Kirkcaldy Hospitals.
For the last two years I’ve worked alongside one chaplaincy volunteer visitor. The experiences and rewards have been such that together we now have our sights set on developing this aspect of chaplaincy.. To begin with we
E-mailed chaplains across the country seeking information and views about volunteering in chaplaincy. All the replies were appreciated and the range of practice varies - from there being no volunteers in some places to other areas where there are substantial teams in place.
With a vision set for Kirkcaldy we have a series of introductory evenings planned for the Autumn and as a result of summertime publicity there are now 14 people signed up to come along. Four sessions are planned with three running on consecutive weeks and then a break during which we will offer individual interviews for those still interested!..The fourth session will be used to set the way forward for those able to become chaplaincy volunteers.
It has been worthwhile thinking about the variety of topics and issues which could be brought into these introductory sessions. We will be looking at images of chaplaincy, communication and listening, bedside “manners” and bereavement concerns as well as many others things. Members of the group will no doubt bring fresh ideas and perhaps a direction of their own to each of the evenings.
Obviously I am hoping that from the 14 people who will be coming to the evenings some will be both suitable and able to become chaplaincy volunteers. Watch this space.
Muriel Knox Ordained
There was a packed hospital chapel at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on 9 September for the service of ordination of Muriel Knox, one of the Assistant Chaplains in the Aberdeen Team. What made this service unusual was that Muriel was ordained as a minister of the Baptist Union of Scotland.
Muriel now joins two other women Baptist Ministers working in hospital chaplaincy in Scotland, Rev Marjorie Taylor at Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride and Rev Pat Mcdonald at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Training and Development Fund
The SACH Executive has set aside £2000 for Training/Development funding with 20% of further received income being allocated to increase this fund.
Consideration of requests from applicants for assistance with training or development projects from this fund will be scrutinised by the Executive.
Applications should be made in writing to the Treasurer:
Rev Keith Saunders
Chaplain’s Office
Western Infirmary
Dumbarton Road
Glasgow G11 6NT
giving full relevant details of the proposed course of study and the costs involved.
SACH seeks to uphold and promote a Chaplaincy service which is always endeavouring to raise effectiveness and quality in its delivery. By adopting such a scheme as this, we recognise the responsibility of supporting chaplains in their ongoing personal development to be equipped for this task and the high standard of ministry and service exercised.
Anachronisms, Abbreviations and Acronyms
Are you managing to keep track of the ever-changing language of the NHS? Complete word or titles seem to be anachronistic these days. In case you are feeling a bit of an anachronism yourself (join the club!) here are just a few of the abbreviations and acronyms which are currently in use.
| CESG | Clinical Effectiveness Strategy Group |
| CRAG | Clinical Resource and Audit Group |
| CSBS | Clinical Standards Board for Scotland |
| HIP | Health Implementation Plan |
| ISD | Information and Statistics Division. Part of the NHS which collects service activity, manpower and financial data. |
| JCCO | Joint Council for Clinical Oncology |
| LHCC | Local Health Care Co-operative |
| MEL | Management Executive Letter (Now known as Health Department Letter: HDL) |
| NHS Priorities | The three national clinical priorities are Mental Health; Coronary Heart Disease and stroke; Cancer. |
| NHSiS | National Health Service in Scotland (now known as NHS Scotland) |
| REAF | Race Equality Advisory Forum |
| PAMs | Profession allied to Medicine |
| SAHC | Scottish Association of Health Councils |
| SCTN | Scottish Cancer Therapy Network |
| SIGN | Scottish Intercollegiate Network. Established 1993 by the Academy of Royal Colleges and Faculties in Scotland to sponsor and support the development of evidence based clinical guidelines for the NHS. |
SPICE-pc |
Scottish Programme for Implementation of Clinical Effectiveness in Primary Care |
| WHO | World Health Organisation |
Chris is Training and Development Officer
“Healthcare Chaplaincy Training and Development Officer for Scotland.”
If you say it quickly it doesn’t sound too complicated. If you say it slowly it sounds like four jobs.
The position came about because of several factors. The training done by Stewart and Fred had established its necessity and importance. The development of Healthcare Chaplaincy, the numbers doing the work both whole time and part time and the expectations of other health care professionals, meant that training and development required to be taken with increased seriousness. The lack of regular supervisory and support systems for chaplains was becoming an obvious lack in provision. The different appointing bodies had little contact or communication with each other, and there were developments taking place elsewhere which no one in Scotland was able to follow and be in touch with on a dedicated basis.
The two main Scottish committees on Healthcare Chaplaincy ; the National Mission and the Dunblane Committees, along with the Healthcare and Hospice Chaplains Associations were thinking of the possibility of a whole time Training Development Officer and the Scottish Executive Health Department was recognising the need to develop quality standards for spiritual and religious care within Health Boards and Trusts. There has been a meeting of minds and a joint willingness to re examine and provide resources for promoting Chaplaincy both ecumenical and inter faith.
My first task is to establish an office as a base and find a secretary. Thereafter contact needs to be made with Chaplains, Trusts, Boards, appointing and other relevant bodies. The training mantle passes from Fred to me, hopefully accompanied by a sudden in pouring of web site and e-mail intelligence. An examination of supervisory and support systems in consultation with chaplains needs to be made with a view to filling the gap. A study of Chaplaincy training here and elsewhere, seeking the best way forward for more preparatory, in service and advanced Chaplaincy training will require to be undertaken. Models, training establishments, faculties and individuals have to be looked at or met with a view to establishing what is necessary and possible for the local situation. Appointing and interested bodies, both ecumenical and multi faith, will be kept informed and consulted about what is developing with a view to better levels of understanding and involvement.
We are fortunate that the Health Department of the Scottish Executive is backing this development and hopefully we will make the most of the opportunity this presents. No one person can achieve all that is desirable, but I am confident that with the co-operation of individuals, Chaplains’ Associations, Faith Groups, Trusts, Boards and the Health Department, we will be able to make inroads to improve the effectiveness and the preparedness of those who carry out the vital resourcing of spiritual and religious care among those in our communities who are ill and who are suffering spiritual pain of any kind.
Chris Levison
Queens Park House
Victoria Infirmary
Langside Road
Glasgow
G42 9TT
Telephone 0141 201 5392
E-mail : chris.levison@chaplains.co.uk
Worthwhile Quotes!
“The chaplain should not be so heavenly minded as to be no earthly good”.
“No matter how low you feel, don’t give up. Because, while it often says in the Bible, “And it came to pass” it never says “And it came to stay”.
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Hospital Healthcare and Universities Sub Committee
Ian McDonald
Chaplain at Victoria Infirmary Kirkcaldy
The association is represented on a variety of groups with concern for Chaplaincy. One of these groups is the Hospitals, Healthcare and Universities Sub Committee of the Board of National Mission. This committee normally meets and deals with a broad sweep of Chaplaincy Issues.
The committee have for example been looking at Whole Time Chaplains’ working hours in light of the European Works Time Directive. Chaplains have been asked to record call outs and hours worked over a period of 3 months and submit these figures to John Thomson at National Mission. For more information on the Working Time Directive you can look on the website www.dti.gov.uk.
A number of chaplains have taken up the Study Leave Scheme since it began three years ago and the committee is seeking to review how things are going with the scheme. In particular there is a need to clarify what constitutes “appropriate cover” for a chaplain on study leave. This is a concern more for Chaplains working by themselves when Trust resources are not always to hand to pay for additional locum sessions. If anyone has a view on what is an appropriate level of cover you can write to myself or directly to John Thomson at “121”
Murray Chalmers writes about his Study leave
Representing You
SACH is currently represented on the following committees:-
- Spirituality in the NHS (Scottish Executive)
- The Race Equality Advisory Forum (Scottish Executive)
- Guidelines on Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care in the NHS working group (Scottish Executive)
- Clinical Resource and Audit Group (CRAG) Implementation Sub Group (Scottish Executive)
- Scottish Churches Committee on Healthcare Chaplaincy (aka “The Dunblane Committee)
- The Biennal Review Committee (Department of National Mission)
- The Hospitals, Healthcare and Universities Sub Committee (Department Of National Mission
- A member of SACH is also on the Clinical Standards Board though not officially representing SACH.
SACH is also engaged in ongoing correspondence with the Scottish Executive on matters relevant to Healthcare Chaplaincy.
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Extracts from the Race Relations (Amendment) Act
Pat McDonald
Chaplain, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow
The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 received Royal Assent on 30th November 2000. Its main provisions came into force in April 2001.
It extends the Race Relations Act 1976 to prohibit discrimination in all functions of public authorities. Like the Human Rights Act 1998, the new Act defines a public authority very widely. Anyone whose work involves functions of a public nature must not discriminate on racial grounds while carrying out these functions.
This means that all the functions of public authorities, such as central and local government, the Police and the NHS, will be subject to the Race Relations Act. It gives statutory force to the imperative of tackling institutional racism. The critical feature is that it will be enforceable. It applies equally to health authorities, health boards, NHS Trusts and Primary Care Trusts - as well as others such as police, education, housing corporations etc. In view of these changes we are asked to “Define all our functions” - what you must do and what you can do. Then identify - by ethnicity and other relevant criteria - the people for whom you should be providing various services. We are asked to consult the people affected by the policies we make, including people from ethnic minorities. There is also the need to examine the impact of our policies and practices and to ask ourselves whether all ethnic groups are being treated fairly. Do they have equal access to facilities and services? What impact do these changes make to the way we make chaplaincy provision and how are we seeking to address those needs of other groups?
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Qualities of a Chaplain?
A group of Day care patients in a Marie Curie Home in South Wales took part in a survey on Chaplaincy. They listed the following qualities as what they would want in a Chaplain.
Genuine Humanity
A sincere, approachable, caring, decent human being, who can laugh and joke and “not be on his dignity all the time”. Willing to “muck in” like taking people shopping or being interested in sewing and other everyday things.
Openness
The chaplain is there for everybody. “He sees us all as his flock”. This implies being willing to take people on their own terms and to set aside any “up front” Christian agenda. Implicit here is the ability to listen. Formal counselling was viewed with suspicion.
To embody a particular identity and expertise.
The chaplain represents the spiritual dimension and is expected to practise an appropriate spirituality as a minister and has a certain depth and experience that creates dependability.
Formal religious occasions are appreciated.
A congregation may be small but regular services are welcomed. For some it can be the vehicle for exploring the way forward, rekindling faith or taking the first steps in a new venture. Nor can the value be known; it provides fellowship, participation and even anonymity.
Availability
To be able as one person suggested, to do the things the medical staff and others cannot or have no time to do.
Extracted from
A perception of Hospice Chaplaincy
P Ballard, I Finlay, C Searle and N Jones
Community Chaplaincy in Primary Care
An E-mail has come from Rev Deborah McVey in Cambridge. Deborah is looking to speak with any chaplains who are involved with or have had experience of Community Chaplaincy in a Primary Care setting. I am sure she would be delighted to hear from you.
E-mail her on Deborahmcv@aol.com or write to Rev Ian McDonald, Chaplains’s Office, Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy KY2 5AH with your contact details and he will pass them on.
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Spirituality in Health and Community Care
Some of you will be aware of the report of the Working Party Revising Guidelines for Trusts on NHS Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care in Scotland. Here is an opportunity for Chaplaincy as the Scottish Executive looks for ways in which to “humanise” healthcare in the NHSiS. A conference has been set up by the Scottish Executive under the title of “Spirituality in Health and Community Care”. This is due to take place in the Stirling Management Centre on the 15th and 16th November. The intention is that representation from Senior Management and Trust Board members from all across Scotland attend this Conference, perhaps also involving the Chaplains. If you don’t know what your Trust is doing about this Conference – ask them!
Part of the conference will be set aside for Boards & Trusts to discuss:
the spiritual & faith issues which they need to address
how these might be met & whether the draft guidance will help them meet them
what central support may be required
the timetable for the review & implementation of local spiritual care policies.
Study Leave
Murray Chalmers
Chaplain, Royal Edinburgh Hospital
In the spring of this year, I was given four weeks’ study leave, and spent it at New College. If “the best laid schemes … Gang aft agley,” perhaps the less well laid occasionally fare better. I had hoped to do some reading on community mental health chaplaincy, but could find so little on it that I spend my time instead reading some of the writings of Steven Pattison.
Some reflections, first on the process. Four weeks is a very short time in which to do a piece of study. It is essential to have the preparatory work done beforehand, in order to “hit the ground running.” Second, on the content of my reading. Steven Pattison is strong stuff, especially for someone like me, who prides himself on being old-fashioned. He makes trenchant criticisms of the Health Service, especially of mental health care. While much is being done that is good, much also urgently needs to be reformed. I am attempting to improve my practice. As a part of that, I am working on a brief paper on “Abuse of Power in Pastoral Relationships,” which I hope the SACH Journal may print.
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Comings and Goings
John Banks, the chaplain at the Ailsa Hospital in Ayr, has decided to retire at the end of 2001. After a very long delay Robin Rae’s replacement at Dundee University Hospitals has been appointed. Rev David Gordon took up post in October. Rev Carrie Upton has been appointed to the new whole time post Edinburgh, covering the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Liberton Hospital. Both Carrie and David are members of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Rev Iain Reid has been appointed for three years to be chaplain at the Victoria Infirmary in Glasgow while Rev Chris Levision is seconded to serve as Training and Development Officer.
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Journal
James Falconer
Journal Business Manager
and Chaplain at Grampian University Hospitals
The Journal is now well established thanks to David Mitchell and Georgina Nelson, co-editors. We should not underestimate the enormous amount of time and work they give to the Journal. Perhaps this recently received comment sums it up, “Membership of SACH is worth it for the Journal alone.”
Two requests, however. Please think about contributing and about approaching and encouraging hospital, college and university libraries to take out a subscription. The contents of previous editions can be found on the SACH Website www.sach.org.uk as can subscription information.
Articles, on any health or chaplaincy related topic, need to follow the guidelines (as printed inside the back cover) but they don’t have to be perfect! David and Georgina are happy to receive drafts and give positive/constructive/critical/helpful comments. They are adroit at wielding a red pen but have a supply of gold stars - for when the work is done.
The number of individuals and institutions subscribing continues to grow. This is important if the Journal is to achieve its stated aim:
The Scottish Journal of Healthcare Chaplaincy aims to assist healthcare chaplains and care workers as they strive to provide effective spiritual, religious and pastoral care within the contemporary healthcare setting. The journal provides a multi-disclipinary forum for the discussion of a wide range of issues pertained to healthcare and healthcare chaplaincy in all of its diverse forms. It focuses on the practice of chaplaincy in healthcare within Scotland and beyond, seeking to bring together practitioner and academics, ordained and lay people, in a way which will enable chaplains and carers to have invaluable access to new and innovate thinking and practice. As well as being multi-disclipinary, the journal also aims to explore inter-cultural and inter-religious issues which are an important focus for chaplaincy and healthcare within contemporary Britain.
To date, the Journal has been produced at very low cost. The slight profit margin built in to non-members and institutional rates will help the good house keeping of future volumes.
Send us material for the next issue of News Sheet.
Let us have your articles, funny stories (and we know they happen in chaplaincy too), book reviews, anything you have attended or found interesting. Articles can be long or short but will be welcome. Without your input newsletters cannot be produced. Send material to:
Rev Fred Coutts
Chaplains Office
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Foresterhill
Aberdeen
AB25 2ZN
E-mail: Fred.Coutts@btinternet.com