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SACH
Soundings
Deflated but not completely in the dark
I was travelling home late one night quite recently when
I was aware of a dull rumble from underneath the car and a curious lack
of control from the steering. You've guessed it, I can tell. I had a
puncture. I ground to a halt at the side of the road and took in my
situation. It was dark. It was very cold. It was somewhere in between
rain and sleet. I wondered idly whether punctures ever happen on warm
summer nights with balmy air and birdsong.
In the drive to achieve professional status within the NHS these questions
will be asked of us as chaplains move from being a Cinderella service
to, if not Prince Charming, then at least a royal footman. It's certainly
a worthy cause and will be an asset in helping us foster truly holistic
care of all those who use and work in the health service. There remains
the possibility that more will be asked of us as spiritual care policies
come into force, hopefully with sufficient funding to make them achievable,
and chaplains become more integrated to the system.
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The Sanctuary
in the new Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh was opened and dedicated on
St. Andrew's Day 2003. During a simple meditation, woven around the
music of the clarsach, representatives of different faiths and philosophies
placed gifts to resource the Sanctuary for reflection and prayer. The
space was dedicated by all saying together:
The Sanctuary has been designed as an 'arts as place making' project, with the intention that the fabric of the space itself should be evocative of an open spiritual ethos, with no dominant religious symbols permanently in place. Although the quality of the outcome is in the eye of the beholder, it has quickly become clear that the Sanctuary is being used more frequently and by a widening range of people than had been the case for the old Hospital Chapel in recent years. The Chaplaincy Team at RIE are happy to share the process and outcome with colleagues. Sandy
Young |
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The New Chapel/Quiet Room in Woodend Hospital, Aberdeen
was opened on 6th February by an act of worship and meditation. This
was led by two Chaplains formerly based at Woodend, Alison Hutchison
and Muriel Knox and Marian Cowie and Mark Rodgers, who are the recently
appointed Chaplains at Woodend . On account of the name of the Hospital,
the predominance of wood in the interior of the Chapel and a specially
commissioned tree of life banner that is one of its central features,
the tree of life was used as a central motif for the act of meditation.
The tree of life was identified as a universal religious theme.
Mark Rodgers |
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A New Children's Hospital in Aberdeen
It
is hoped that this will not be lost in a few weeks when (for the technically
minded) a remote controlled MP3 player will be installed which will
allow those using the Chapel, should they so choose, to select a range
of music and sound both secular and religious. James
Falconer |
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New Date for the AGM !! Change of date !! We've had to change the date of the 2004 AGM So, for all of you who immediately put the date in your diary after reading Training Matters ……. here is the new date Tuesday 26th October 2004 More details to follow |
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about a year ago we set up an account to enable us to help SACH members attend conferences. Recently we were able to respond to a request from the Journal editorial board to fund one of their members at a conference in Aberdeen. We were able to set up the account because many of you gave a voluntary contribution (of around £10). We are keen to maintain the Conference Fund but can only do this with your help. It you feel able to give something towards it, we would be most grateful. And remember that you can apply to us for conference funding. Monica Stewart |
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Building Links with
Canada Chris Levison Three delegates travelled from Scotland to Canada for the annual conference of the Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice and Education (or Association Canadienne pour la Practique et l'Education Pastorales). We were: Val Duff who is minister at Glasgow Garthamlock and who has trained in Clinical Pastoral Education and Supervision in the USA; Bob Devenny who was born in Canada but who has worked for a number of years in the Borders. His research project is looking into the spiritual needs of stroke patients. Bob has done, and is progressing through, the CPE training through Canadian contacts; and myself, the Training and Development Officer for chaplaincy. Bob had suggested a visit previously, but this time there had been communication with himself and Val concerning a possible link up which might help the accreditation of courses and the certification of teachers in Scotland. Our objectives were to explore something of the CPE culture of Canadian chaplaincy, to establish links with an association which is further developed in this area than ourselves, and to see what might be gained for the Scottish situation through links, either formal or informal, during the establishment of CPE provision at home. After a long journey we arrived in Ottawa late in the evening, which was the early hours of the next morning according to our time clocks. The Chateau Cartier resort hotel had been taken over for the event and is a large hotel on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River. The Theme of the conference was "To Explore the meaning and tangible signs of soul in an organisation". To learn how to nurture this idea of soul and see how it might be applied in local situations. Clincial Pastoral Supervision The first day was optional for the Canadians with seminar choices. The one most relevant for us was dealing with Clinical Pastoral Supervision, led by Tom O'Connor, a director of pastoral counselling, a writer, teacher and supervisor in CPE. The day was a condensed version of one of his courses and was very stimulating. Clinical Pastoral Supervision is an educational process between a qualified supervisor and a group of supervisees to develop skills (competencies) in ministry with a pastoral identity, to transform and empower and enable them to be more effective in their ministry. Clinical is a word deriving from "Kline" meaning "bedside" and "pastoral" has a Judeo Christian origin. The type of theology was one which grew out of actual situations and was not the application of systems or fixed doctrines. It had resonances for me of Liberation Theology but in particular pastoral situations. He talked of the supervisory relationship which encouraged growth in those involved, it was "theology on the run" but still dealt with the themes of sin, grace and redemption. The clinical method in supervision was very much about where people really are and it saw the chaplain in several roles such as manager, guide, consultant and celebrant. The Clinical Rhombus pictured the different types of relationship and he spoke of ethics and evaluation. The six areas of evaluation were : supervisory relationship, personal growth, professional growth, theological reflection, learning context and overall learning. This was a stimulating day with use of role play and discussion. A variety of speakers The first speaker in the main conference was Pierre Michel Allard - who is a highly respected figure in chaplaincy, in the Correctional Services (Prisons) and in government. He spoke of the experiences he had had as a prison chaplain, of the practice of "restorative justice" and of the difficulties experienced in recognising and bringing out the humanity and gifts of those who were seen as prisoners, or patients or members of large institutions. He showed two cartoons at the end of his talk - one of a fingerprint, emphasising the uniqueness of each person, and another, a wooden cart with square wheels being pulled with difficulty by two men, and inside the cart, the load it was carrying was a pile of round wheels. Pierre was very French , but his wife who he introduced to me was a "Mackenzie". Sister Elizabeth Davies, a Roman Catholic sister has worked in education and health care all her life. For five years she was Chief Executive Officer of St John's , Newfoundland at a time when, due to demographic changes, there was a need for several hospital closures. She had lived through difficult times and had worked in an often hostile environment. She was very impressive and maintained a lot of contact with the fishing community where she was brought up. Her talk was valuable and thought provoking. Michael Jones, a musician and composer introduced a variety of music and reflection into a talk which is difficult to pin down. He talked about meaning and shared leadership and encouraged people from the floor to speak about their feelings in the conference. This was culturally quite different from most presentations and although he came across well and relaxed it was difficult to filter what was coming across. One threesome of speakers were talking about ethics, spirituality and business. They were super-confident, but I felt pretentious and theologically naïve. I found it hard to listen and eventually did not. Reaction among the other delegates was mixed. If I had used such speakers in a Scottish context, I might have been run out of town. This reminded me that the culture of North America can be quite different in some areas from our own. Meeting the Executive Our small delegation was invited to meet over dinner one evening with the executive of CAPPE. They were very interested in our situation and eager to be of any help. They understood the experience and qualifications of Val, had some understanding of what Bob was doing, but found it quite difficult to work out where I was, the relationship with the SEHD with chaplains and faith communities and Health Boards. The president of CPE in the USA also joined us for that dinner and get together and our hostess was Catherine Cornutt, the Canadian Association President. Not only on that evening but throughout the event there was a great interest in Scotland and what is happening here. Clearly being Scottish is a good thing to be in Canada. Similar issues Various documents have been and can be shared and it was fascinating to hear of many of the same issues being faced there as here. Who should employ chaplains - denominations or the health service? How can there be a scheme which suggests the need for numbers of chaplains or chaplaincy sessions ? The privacy and data protection issue is also a live one. Interestingly, I was told that lawyers have won a case to say that the harm done by ministers not having access to patient lists is more serious than the harm done by inappropriate information going to ministers and chaplains. Perhaps there is a pointer for us there. The vast majority of chaplains are whole time and the CPE scheme with competencies and a body of knowledge is the regular way into this work. They are planning to set up colleges of chaplains in various states, which sound more akin to our planning towards a health care profession. All work and no play…. It was not all hard work of course and I managed to do that which all true tourists to Ottawa in winter must do - I skated the length and back of the frozen Rideau Canal. At the end of the conference I visited my sister in Burlington Ontario, played ice hockey with nephews and nieces, crossed an ice covered lake wearing snow shoes, and of course, went to Niagara to see the falls with mountains of ice, making impressive shapes. Perhaps next year I will manage a trek to the Pole - or maybe not.
Our objectives I believe were met. We learned a lot and met many from a large variety of situations and national backgrounds (including Estonian and Swiss). There will be further contact I am sure and I am encouraged by the quality of many of the people and much of the work being done. I am grateful to the Study leave scheme of the Board of National Mission for making the trip possible. Iit was very worthwhile. You can find out more about CAPPE on their website: |
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Tracey Sharp will replace Andrew Moore at the Training
and Development Unit. Her present job title is "Clinical Audit
Manager" in the Trauma Division of Glasgow Royal Infirmary. She
has a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Public Health. She has worked
in Dundee, Paisley and Glasgow and has experience in research methods
and clinical audit in several areas. Her responsibilities have included
developing clinical effectiveness strategies and the redesign of services.
Chris Levison
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Reflections
on a National Agenda David
Mitchell For the past 18 months I have represented the Scottish Branch of the Association of Hospice and Palliative Care Chaplains on the UK national executive. The experience has given me a real insight into chaplaincy on a wider perspective and the distinct differences there are north and south of the border. There is a real truth in the saying 'small is beautiful'. Looking back the past two years have seen a considerable focus on spiritual care on a national agenda: Reports, Guidelines, Standards and Competencies galore. In many ways Scotland has led the field and our Guidelines on Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care in the NHSScotland are the envy of other parts of the UK and beyond (NHS HDL (2002)76). When you hear of the 'turf wars' there are over training and development in England, and the tensions between the churches, CHCC and the different chaplaincy and multifaith groups you learn to really appreciate what we have in Scotland: the openness ofthe churches and chaplaincy organisations to working together, and the independence of Chris Levison and the Healthcare Chaplaincy Training and Development Unit for Scotland. The hospice and palliative care chaplains have been playing an active part on the national agenda too: building on the NHS QIS Clinical Standards for Specialist Palliative Care (CSBS 2002) and completing the process by launching standards for chaplaincy services and competencies for individual chaplains and healthcare professionals. The competencies in particular have the potential to have a profound impact on the delivery of spiritual care by all staff and chaplains in particular. Although designed primarily for hospices, the competencies could be adapted for other specialist areas of chaplaincy. Add to that the work CHCC has been doing in regard to registration of chaplaincy as an Associated Healthcare Profession (by 2007) and I'd say Spiritual Care is very much in vogue and has a significant focus within the healthcare agenda. Below is a list of recent national publications all of which are available on-line. Peruse at your leisure and see for yourself the national impact chaplaincy is enjoying at present. Apart from the small forest of paper they create I'd suggest it is a sign that spiritual care has very much 'come of age'. AHPCC 2004 Guidelines for hospice and palliative care appointments.
Association of Hospice and Palliative Care Chaplains, Help the Hospices
London. www.ahpcc.org.uk |
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Congratualtions to the Association of Hospice and Palliative Care Chaplains on their new Website and Newsletter. The Association is now exchanging Newsletters with SACH. You can find their website at www.ahpcc.org.uk
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Healthcare
Chaplaincy Training Meeting: 26 February 2004 As the SACH representative on the HCTD Group, it falls
to me to highlight the main areas of discussion at each meeting. Details of forthcoming study days and conferences have been advertised through 'Training Matters' and the website - www.chaplains.co.uk - Paediatric on 24th March in Aberdeen; For All Chaplains at Crieff Hydro on 20th April; Whole-Time Residential at Carberry, 2nd - 3rd June; Mental Health in Perth on 7th September. Further details of all of these from the Unit - 0141 201 5392 or E-mail: chris.levison@chaplains.co.uk . Exploratory discussions continue with the Scottish Schools of Divinity and Religious Studies and representatives of the Chaplaincy associations regarding an Introductory Course for Chaplaincy, possibly with a CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) component. Concern was expressed at the meeting about the apparent promotion of CPE as the main tool for reflective practice in chaplains' personal professional development. Chris gave an undertaking that opportunity would be given to discuss the issue at the Whole-Time Conference in June. The Unit, through Chris, is also fully involved in current negotiations regarding the possible transfer from the Church of Scotland to direct employment of chaplains by Health Boards. As reported in the last issue of 'Soundings', the HCTD Unit was set up in 2001, for an initial three-year period. There has been informal confirmation by the Department of Health that the work of the Unit will continue, though official ratification regarding posts and the Unit's place within NHS Education is still awaited. The Group next meets on Thursday 27th May. Iain Telfer |
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Lots
of Love
A phrase's face Glance across a crowded room But let the prism rotate, Watch lifeboatmen, helicoptermen, duel with elements, Gathering gear, cash, See nurses on a geriatric ward And carers, watching late, The love they make Lots of love, not lost, From:
Margaret Denvil, a chaplain from Richmond, Virginia suggested we print this poem. |
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Scottish Journal of Healthcare Chaplaincy Journal articles only a "click" away The editors are pleased to announce that all back issues of the Journal are now available in full text on-line on the SACH website. This has the potential to significantly increase the readership of the Journal throughout the world and will make it much easier for students and those conducting research to access the articles published in the Journal. The next step will be to link the Journal to the NHS e-library and the various healthcare databases. The process involved a considerable amount of work in preparing the earlier paper versions and the editors wish to record their thanks to Fred Coutts for his support, expertise, and the long hours spent preparing the Journals for the website. We are currently preparing Volume 7 No 1 and planning Volume 7 No 2. As always we would welcome papers for consideration by the Editorial Board. An increasing number of chaplains are undertaking academic study or research - have you considered writing up your assignment or dissertation for the Journal? The editors are happy to discuss suggestions and offer insights and advice on how an article might be developed. Georgina Nelson & David Mitchell Go to the Journal Page to find the full text on-line
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From East to West, from shore to shore …… (CH3 189) I'd like to tell you how I'm going to be spending 3 weeks of the coming Spring - and why. During the last week of April I'm setting off to walk across Scotland, a coast to coast walk of about 200 miles. The route I'm planning is (roughly) this: from Aberdeen, along Deeside to Braemar, through Glen Feshie to Speyside, Kingussie to Fort William via Corrour and Glen Nevis, finishing at Inverie, Knoydart where, I am told, I'll find the remotest pub in Britain. Some of my friends and family have volunteered to do sections of the walk with me. I'll stay in hostels, bothies and camp for a couple of nights (if I really have to!). All being well I should complete the walk in just under three weeks.
There are several reasons for wanting to do this but I'll
just mention two: the first is simply that I like the idea. It's an
adventure! The second is that I'd like to raise some money for the Iona
Community's Growing Hope appeal. In February the Community launched
this 2-year appeal to raise £1 million. The money is for two specific
projects. Anyone who has visited Iona recently will have noticed that
the Community's coffee house has closed. Part of the money will go towards
refurbishing and reopening the coffee house. It was an important place
on the island - not only a place where weary pilgrims could find sustenance
and shelter from the latest Hebridean storm; it was also a place where
people met and friendships were formed. So, if I don't turn up at the next Exec meeting, you'll know why …… lost in a bog! Monica Stewart
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The next edition of SACH Soundings will be
published in June 2004.
Tel: 01224
553316 |
Derek Brown President of SACH 
