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SACH
Soundings
We need to know what YOU think It must be true- I've read in the paper! 32% of all breakfast cereals are produced by Kelloggs. If laid end to end, all the cereal boxes we consume would reach to the moon and back. How, you may be asking, do we know these startling facts? Only because someone did a survey and asked pertinent, penetrating questions. Ever
since the emperor asked his adoring public to pass comment on his lightweight
apparel everyone from royalty down have been anxious to ascertain the
true thoughts of subjects, consumers and taxpayers. Perhaps by the time you read this you will have received a questionnaire from the Training and Development Unit which is being sent to all chaplains in Scotland. The reason for it is quite simple. We too need to know what you think about certain issues. Over the past two years the Executive has worked closely with the Scotland branch of the College of Health Care Chaplains on a number of issues of common concern to chaplains which have been reported in the pages of Soundings. There are other developments in chaplaincy such as the recent decision of the Church of Scotland to explore the possibility of relinquishing its employment of chaplains, and the ongoing move towards registration as a Health Care Profession, which will require us to work closely together. Some chaplains have asked if there needs to be this duplication of effort. Others feel that there is sufficient scope for two organisations to co-operate and flourish. The questionnaire is important to gauge whether you wish something along the lines of the European Union's 'ever closer union', or more of Kahil Gibran's having 'spaces in your togetherness'. One thing is sure and that's the fact that we have an unparalleled opportunity to shape the provision of spiritual care in the NHS and the independent hospices. It is my hope that we can stimulate some debate about how best you think you may be represented in this most interesting of times. Derek Brown President of SACH
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Healthcare Chaplaincy Provision in NHS Boards in Scotland The Table below
provides statistics about Boards, Names of Boards, Population, Population
divided by 10,000 (for purposes of charts), Total Number of Sessions
(whole time calculated at 10 sessions weekly + part time/sessional chaplaincy
provision) followed by number of whole time chaplains and part time/sessional
chaplains. The figures (from which the table and charts were developed)
were provided by the Church of Scotland Hospitals, Healthcare and Universities
Sub Committee and the Chaplaincy Training and Development Unit. To the
best of my knowledge these were accurate at the end of April 2004.
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The table and charts show chaplaincy provision of reformed churches. I do not have statistical information about RC Chaplaincy provision in Scotland. Fergus McLachlan |
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Employment of Healthcare Chaplains Church of Scotland Sub-Committee which deals with Healthcare Chaplaincy to have a major impact on any future system for the appointment and employment of healthcare chaplains. These were:
It has always been possible for NHS employers to employ hospital chaplains and indeed current regulations make explicit provision for this. The SEHD regularly issues a Health Department Letter (HDL) setting out the salaries for whole-time and part-time hospital chaplains. In practice however very few chaplains are directly employed by the NHS. Historically whole-time chaplains have been employed by the Church of Scotland Department of National Mission and are paid a salary plus a housing allowance, the cost of which is recovered by the Church from individual NHS employers. The
employment status of part-time chaplains is somewhat more ambiguous.
They have traditionally been "appointed" to their office
by the General Secretary of the Board of National Mission on nomination
by a local Presbytery. Their remuneration costs are recovered from
NHS employers in the same way as those of whole-time chaplains but
they are not issued with a contract of employment by the Church. There
are differing views as to whether or not they are employees which
gives rise to uncertainty around their entitlement to employment protection
and statutory rights such as maternity leave etc. "to grant permission to the Hospitals, Healthcare and Universities Sub Committee to proceed with enquiries exploring the possibility of all Healthcare Chaplains being directly employed by NHS Trusts." The General Assembly last week (19th May 2004) endorsed this proposal which clears the way for the process of transferring existing chaplains from Church to NHS employment to move forward. Given this policy decision the transition can now be achieved gradually by making new appointments within the NHS as vacancies arise but it would be preferable if terms for transferring serving chaplains from the employment of the Church to that of the NHS can be agreed. In the latter case more detailed discussion around the technicalities and timing of such a transfer will be required. These conversations have begun to take place. Consultations with individual chaplains, chaplains' professional organisations and presbyteries will be undertaken at the appropriate times. It is hoped that the NHS HR Forum Short Working Life Group established to consider the issues will provide a platform whereby a single "national procedure" might be agreed between the Church and the SEHD/NHS Boards. John
K Thomson |
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Developing a more professional career model The
short title belays the complexity of a subject which brings together
careers and professions and models. My starting point is in Continuing
Professional Development (CPD) which I suggest is a mix of personal
and professional growth. It will have its roots in the values we carry
formed by our family and community upbringing.
In
some senses, spiritual healthcare was a victim of its own success. It
had fought for its own corner and won. Unfortunately, it was also clear
that not all the arrangements in place were suitable for the large number
of part-time staff nor did they support the anticipated influx of chaplains
in world faiths.
The tricky bit about a life-long model is getting through it. Two approaches could be highlighted here. The first approach (adapted from Martin Kerry in Spirituality in a health care context) is that which Caring for the Spirit used as the basis for its own proposals on good practice. This approach which is based on spiritual healthcare competences envisages a matrix of competences and levels of chaplaincy. Regular appraisal between mentor and mentee would enable progress in professional and personal development to be charted, planned and monitored. A version of the matrix is shown below. Work to populate this version of the matrix itself is still necessary.
The second approach
is that discussed within the College's professional education and development
group in 2001. This approach is based on the need for regular professional
activity with the introduction of points system to monitor progress.
In this version, 6 points were required over three years to achieve
appropriate CPD recognition with 2 given for "approved" academic
study and 1 each for "approved" training courses, progression
through competences, work as a professional supervisor, work as qualified
assessors, and work as "recognised" teachers. Two points were
also suggested in recognition of the work to achieve beacon status and
the excellence that that implies. Further work is necessary in this
case to determine what is implied by "approved" and "recognised"
in this context. Tim Battle |
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Two suggestions for your bookshelf…
Grace Through
Feet - A Journey with Forgiveness Grace Through Feet
begins with the author's discovery that when he practiced reflexology
there appeared to be some kind of spiritual healing occurring, as well
as physical healing. In investigating this further, he makes the connection
between Christ's washing of disciples' feet and the grace of forgiveness.
Through conscious participation in 'The Foot Washing', a person may
release obstacles to healing such as anger, resentment, revenge, pride
and even feelings of poor self-esteem, unworthiness and shame. When
such negativity is released, through forgiveness, then although the
past is not changed, the future may be enlarged. Forgiveness then becomes,
not a 'one off act' but rather a state of being. Hence, says the author,
through such participation in the grace of forgiveness we may grow 'into
the person we have the capacity to become'. Linda Stevens The author of this book found SACH through the Website. For inquiries, questions
and comments please contact |
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Tending
the Holy: Spiritual Direction across Traditions Margaret Denvil,
a chaplain in Richmond, Virginia (and a member of SACH) writes: Why
not tell your colleagues |
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Welcome to Rev John McMahon who has taken up post as chaplain at St John's Hospital in Livingston, replacing Tom Crichton who has now retired. In Inverness,
The Very Reverend Michael Hickford, currently Provost of St Andrew's
Episcopal Cathedral, Inverness, will take up post as new "Mental
Health and Community Chaplain" towards the end of August |
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Study Leave Report on the theme of Worship I
embarked upon the leave with a sense of pilgrimage. That is to say,
with the thought of moving from where I am to a place of refreshment
so as, with purpose, to return and re-engage with the issues of day-to-day.
However,
if indeed, at times I have felt myself to be on my knees, I also had
sense of the need for the companionship explicit in Christ's promise
of where 2 or 3 gather!
The
Gospel story of two disciples on the road to Emmaus, discovering in
the ordinariness of events along the way and at table, who it was that
walked with them, provided me with a Scriptural basis upon which to
reflect and to walk. Worship, whether in a Cathedral Church or a simple
hospital chapel, is an important activity for Christians. It is in gathering
together and in sharing that we discover our Christian identity and
our calling to be the body of Christ.
Along
side my reading in the first week of Study Leave I visited Peter Gardner,
the minister at Renfield: St Stephen's which serves as the venue for
the Holy City events in Glasgow. I also called into the office of the
Wild Goose Resource Group and met with Graham Maule. The Holy City event
involves our senses, the sights, the sounds, the colour, the space,
the silence within worship. The approach to worship here is shaped by
and reflects the threads of discussion and sharing in the workshops.
In attending Holy City I found a thoughtful, sensitive and welcoming
space, a place of sharing and of belonging, and although folk came from
far and wide there was a strong sense of fellowship and worship. By
way of preparation for walking I engaged with a group of friends who
have shared walking holidays with me in the past. I invited them to
offer me two items of support - one item to be of a practical nature
and the other a symbol of their spirited support for me on this journey.
The Journey Begins
The road engages the senses. The views, the air and wind. The feel of the earth under tramping boot, the smell of coconut from gorse in fresh bloom and footbridges over running streams.
The end of the walk and the start of the week-end - news of friends and worship to share… Ian
McDonald, |
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Healthcare Chaplaincy Training and Development Group I suppose it is in the nature of things that the longer a group is in existence, the longer its meetings become. This has certainly been true of the Healthcare Chaplaincy Training and Development Group, which overseas the work of the HCTD Unit headed up by Chris Levison. In many ways this is a tribute to all that Chris and his department have achieved since his appointment nearly three years ago. The agenda at the most recent meeting of the Group covered matters relating to personnel changes, future Executive funding, reports on conferences and study days, Health Boards' progress on spiritual care policies, as well as a discussion of the European dimension, in anticipation of the next Consultation of the European Network of Healthcare Chaplaincy in September. The decision was taken to make a one-off payment of €50, being asked of organisations sending representatives, to enable delegates to attend from countries in Eastern Europe where funding is difficult to secure. Attention was drawn to the Standards for Healthcare Chaplaincy in Europe and the Network's First Draft Constitution available on the SACH website. Comments would be welcomed by both Chris and Fred (Fred.Fred.Coutts@arh.grampian.scot.nhs.ukCoutts@arh.grampian.scot.nhs.uk). Tracey Sharp has succeeded Andrew Moore as Spiritual Care Development Officer though, due to a family bereavement has yet to take up post. Meg Hislop is the new Secretary/PA/Office Manager succeeding Roey Knowles. Tracey's appointment is on the basis of a two-year secondment whilst funding for Meg's contract has been secured until 31st January 2005. Largely due to salary savings during the vacancy period after Andrew left, funding for the Unit is secure also until January '05. Ironically, discussions are pending confirming Chris's own position. Recent conferences have included one in Perth on Ageing and Spirituality with Harriet Mowat and one at Crieff Hydro. At the time of writing, there has been a disappointing response to the whole-time chaplains annual conference at Carberry on 2/3 June. There was some discussion on the reasons why conferences and study days are not always well attended. In an attempt to try and gauge future interests, there will be an opportunity at Carberry for people to make suggestions and, in September a number of the HCTD Group will put together a programme for the next eighteen months or so. Please feel free to pass on ideas to Chris at any time (chris.levison@chaplains.co.uk or 0141 201 5392). Looking towards the autumn, there is a day planned for mental health chaplains in Perth on 7th September and an introductory course for new chaplains at The Bield in Perthshire on 5/6 October. Throughout Scotland, Boards are at various stages in the development of their spiritual care policies and implementation plans. Where there is significant whole-time Chaplaincy already in place work is progressing well, while the pace is slower where only part-time exists. North Glasgow continues to give rise for serious concern as its acceptance of the new Guidelines has been matched by a cut in Chaplaincy provision. In the light of this, it was necessary for the Board of National Mission to intimate that on-call cover would have to be withdrawn until the complement of chaplains is increased. On the theme of clinical standards, QIS (Quality Improvement Scotland) have assigned two project workers on the basis of one day per week to help move the work of a 'Scoping Group' forward. As part of this, a questionnaire for NHS staff (produced by QIS) is in preparation. Recently, the Unit has facilitated a meeting between SACH and CHCC exploring the possibility of closer co-operation between the two associations. Shortly all chaplains in Scotland will receive a short questionnaire approved by both the SACH Executive and CHCC in Scotland, seeking views on the strengths of both groups and whether closer liaison might be beneficial. Iain Telfer |
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We
are still
CONTACT:
Monica Stewart, Chaplains' Office, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill,
Aberdeen AB25 2ZN Tel: 01224 554907 |
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Scratchings
In April the Unit
was involved in doing our bit with regards to the Performance Assessment
Framework. We were asked to do a brief report on where each Board is
with its Spiritual Care Policy and Implementation. In short, by way
of email, letter and a few phone calls we asked each Board four questions.
Had they accepted and adopted a locally produced Spiritual Care Policy?
Where were they with regards to its implementation? Did they have a
widely representative Spiritual Care Committee up and running ? and
had they or were they in process of setting up a Department of Spiritual
and Religious Care or some similar structure? We also held the
one day conference for chaplains in Crieff Hydro on the 20th in which
35 chaplains took part. The main speakers were : Peter Speck who gave
an excellent overview of some of the recent research, writing and thinking
about health care chaplaincy; Harriet Mowat who talked about the research
project she has been heading up concerning the chaplain's role and which
is now nearing completion. Jerusalem Barnabas from the health department
introduced and explained some of the recent and developing legislation
on discrimination and race relations and the way this was being dealt
with and highlighted within the Scottish Executive. The Carberry conference
will have taken place by the time you read this, but I am as yet still
looking forward to it. Chris Levison
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Scottish Journal of Healthcare Chaplaincy The current issue of the journal is accompanied by an Index, which references five years' worth of articles by keyword and by author. Compiling this was greatly simplified by our acquisition, thanks to a SACH grant, of 'Endnote' software. We hope that the index will increase SJHC's accessibility and usefulness as a resource. Volume 7 No.1 continues to reflect the high standards which those who know SJHC have come to expect. We are constantly surprised by the depth and diversity of the articles submitted. 7 :1 has something for everyone, from challenging theology to inspirational cartoons. If you are doing interesting work or having thoughts on aspects of spiritual, religious and pastoral care within contemporary healthcare (and we know you are) then take the plunge and get writing. Help and advice are at hand. Both editors are
happy to continue working together, and we look forward to planning
volume 8. We continue to enjoy the excellent support of the editorial
board, and of our business manager Jim Falconer. We are keen to take
every opportunity to promote and publicise a journal of which we (and
you, we hope) are increasingly proud, and we are in the process of developing
further our publicity material. If you have ideas as to how and where
we might use this, let us know. David Mitchell |
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The next edition of SACH Soundings will be
published in October 2004.
Tel: 01224
553166 |
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