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Multi-Faith Group for Healthcare Chaplaincy

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Document No 20

6/2005          Page last updated: 6 August, 2005


ASHFORD AND ST PETER'S HOSPITALS NHS TRUST
CHAPLAINCY SERVICES

MEETING THE PATIENT'S RELIGIOUS NEEDS


GUIDING PRINCIPLES

THE PATIENT'S CHARTER: National Charter Standard 1

"Respect for privacy, dignity and religious and cultural belief"

1. Religious and cultural observance should NEVER be forced on patients or their relatives in anyway. However, religious and cultural beliefs can often be very important. A patient's religious affiliation, if any, should be recorded as early as possible . Patients or their relatives should be offered the opportunity to see one of the Hospital Chaplains, or their own priest or religious leader.

2. The Hospital Chaplains on both hospital sites provide 24 hour cover. They represent the Church of England, Roman Catholic and Free Church denominations. They can be contacted at anytime through the hospital switchboards. See next page.

3. The switchboards also hold a list of religious leaders of other denominations and faiths. The Hospital Chaplains can also be contacted for advice on how to get in touch with the patient's own priest or religious leader.

4. If there is uncertainty about how the patient's religious requirements can most helpfully be met, it is best first to ask the patient, or the patient's family, exactly what help they would like. Individuals will vary in their expression of their faith, and some will find religious observance more important than others. This file contains information about the major Christian denominations and other world faiths.

The Chaplains also have copies of the handbook "Religions in the UK" which contains useful contact numbers, and of the Shap calendar of religious festivals

5. The Chaplains are happy to be available to those of their own respective denominations, but also to those who do not profess a specific faith or denomination. Even those patients or families who do not hold a particular belief sometimes appreciate the offer of prayer, especially perhaps when a patient is close to death, or after a patient has died. This opportunity should always be offered.

6. The Chaplains are also happy to offer pastoral ministry which may not necessarily include religious ritual of any kind. If patients or relatives are distressed, struggling with problems related to their illness, or with more long-term issues, they may value the input of someone who is neither a clinician, nor closely involved with them in a personal way.

7. There is a Chapel on both hospital sites and service times will be advertised. Patients, or their families, may appreciate guidance in finding the Chapel. Both Chapels are open throughout the day and the hospital security guard can open the Chapel at other times if a patient, or member of a patient's family, requests this.


ASHFORD & ST PETER'S HOSPITALS NHS TRUST

CHAPLAINCY SERVICES

THE TRUST CHAPLAINS

CHURCH OF ENGLAND, ROMAN CATHOLIC and FREE CHURCH CHAPLAINS serve both Hospital sites. Local ministers, and religious leaders of other faiths also visit both hospitals on a regular basis. The ON-CALL Chaplains can be contacted at anytime via the Hospital Switchboards (see procedure below). The Chaplains try to be available as far as possible to staff, patients and visitors, whether or not they belong to a particular denomination or faith.

CHAPLAINCY VISITORS - All wards in the acute hospitals have a small team of Chaplaincy volunteers who visit regularly, usually on a particular day each week. They represent the Chaplaincy team and they are trained to visit patients in a sensitive and appropriate way to listen and to offer pastoral support. They are managed by the Chaplains and the Voluntary Services Managers and can be contacted through the Chaplains.

SPIRITUAL NEEDS - The contents of this folder are limited to the provision of the religious needs of the patient and his/her loved ones. Spiritual care encompasses psychological, emotional, social and pastoral support, as well as trying to meet religious needs. The provision of spiritual care is a multi-disciplinary responsibility and the Chaplains are glad to work alongside other members of staff in seeking to address these issues. They are always happy to be available to offer help and support.

BEREAVEMENT CARE - The Chaplains work in close liaison with the MacMillan Nurses and the Patient Affairs Officers. At St Peter's a service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance for those who have lost loved ones is held in the Chapel on the last Sunday of each alternate month at 4pm. An annual Ceremony of Remembrance (usually on the first Saturday in May at 2.30pm) is held for children who have died at any age, from early pregnancy to adulthood.


PROCEDURE FOR CONTACTING A CHAPLAIN/RELIGIOUS LEADER

A. PRODEDURE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

1. If possible, confirm the patient's denomination or faith by asking the patient or his/her family. Check whether the patient wishes to see one of the Hospital Chaplains, or would prefer their own priest/minister. In the case of the latter, the family may have a contact number.

2. The Hospital Chaplains are available 24 hours. If the patient is Church of England, Roman Catholic or Free Church the Switchboard will be able to contact the appropriate "on-call" Chaplain. If the patient needs to see a religious leader of another faith there is a list of contact numbers in this folder.

3. On being contacted the Chaplain/Spiritual leader will need to know the name of the Ward/Unit, the name of the patient, some idea of what ministry is required, and how soon he/she is needed. The Hospital Chaplains can usually be at the Hospital within 30 minutes of speaking with the Ward.

4. If there are difficulties in contacting other local religious leaders,or if the patient is not of a particular denomination or faith, the "on-call" Chaplain would be happy to help.

B. PROCEDURE FOR NON-URGENT REFERRALS

1. See 1 above.

2. At St Peter's non-urgent referrals can be left on the Chapel answer-phone (ext. 3324). At Ashford the request must be passed on to the "on-call" Chaplain, or the designated Ward Chaplain, through the Switchboard during normal working hours. Non-urgent referrals are usually followed up within 24 hours.

3. The contact list at the back of this folder can be used to contact other religious leaders during normal working hours, or the Switchboard or "on-call" Chaplains will help with making such contacts.

4. See 4 above.


ASHFORD & ST PETER'S HOSPITALS NHS TRUST
DEPARTMENT OF PASTORAL CARE

CHAPLAINCY SERVICES

The Chaplaincy Team aims to be available to ALL patients, staff and visitors of all faiths and of none. The Chaplains are also happy to assist in making contact with other religious leaders in the local community.

The Chaplains and members of the volunteer Chaplaincy Visitor Team visit the wards regularly. However, if a Chaplain is needed urgently, or if a visit is required at a specific time, please contact the Hospital switchboard and ask for the “on call” Chaplain. This may be done by dialling “0” from one of the internal phones or 01784 884488 / 10932 872000 if you are ringing from outside the Hospitals.

The Chapels at both Hospitals are open every day and EVERYONE is most welcome to use them for prayer and quiet.

The Chapel at ASHFORD HOSPITAL is situated near the main entrance to the Hospital, opposite Arnold Ward.

The Chapel at ST. PETER'S HOSPITAL is on the main level 2 link corridor, at the rear of the Accident Centre.

For further information, please ring 01784 884488 or 01932 872000 and ask to speak to the “on call” Chaplain.

The Trust Chaplains


ASHFORD & ST PETER'S HOSPITALS NHS TRUST

MEETING THE PATIENT'S RELIGIOUS NEEDS

APPENDIX 1 - MEETING THE RELIGIOUS NEEDS OF THE CHILD

It is important that the wishes of the parents/guardian in providing for the religious and spiritual care of their child be respected as far as possible. If they are practising members of a Christian denomination or of another faith they may have their own minister/priest/spiritual leader. If so, they may appreciate help in contacting him/her. If they are not in touch with a particular religious representative they may feel that they would like the ministry of one of the Hospital Chaplains, or they may wish to be put in touch with someone from their own faith. A selection of local contact numbers is provided in this folder. The Hospital Chaplains are always willing to help, and would be glad to spend time with the child and/or his/her family whether or not they belong to a particular denomination or faith .

THANKSGIVING FOR THE BIRTH OF A CHILD

Some parents may appreciate the opportunity to give thanks for the birth of a healthy baby. Usually those for whom it is appropriate will feel able to request this ministry, and may invite their own minister/priest/religious leader to come into the Hospital. Others may appreciate the ministry of one of the Hospital Chaplains, or of a religious leader of another faith and, if this is requested he/she should be contacted as soon as possible. Privacy can be provided simply by drawing the curtains around the bed.

BAPTISM

If a child is very sick, parents/guardians may request that he/she be baptised. Some families will be in touch with their own minister or priest, and they may wish to invite him/her to come into the Hospital. Others may appreciate the ministry of one of the Hospital Chaplains. The parents should be asked to which denomination they belong, and the appropriate Chaplain should be contacted immediately. The Chaplain can normally get to the Hospital within 30 minutes of receiving the call. But, if the child is very sick, and the Chaplain unlikely to arrive in time, a member of staff, or of the child's family, with the family's permission, can perform an emergency Baptism, using the child's name, and the words "I baptise you in the name of the God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit" . A baptism set, with baptism cards, is kept on the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit at St Peter's. Details of emergency baptisms (except Roman Catholic Baptisms which are kept in Church records) should be entered in the Baptism Register, also kept on N.I.C.U. Some families may find it difficult to request the baptism of their child and it may sometimes be appropriate for a member of staff sensitively to offer this choice . Members of other faiths may also appreciate the offer of appropriate ministry.

THE BLESSING OF A CHILD WHO HAS DIED

Parents/Guardians (including the parents of babies who have died before or immediately after birth) should be offered the opportunity of a blessing for their child. Some may wish the ministry of their own priest/religious leader and they may appreciate help in arranging this. Others may prefer to see one of the Hospital Chaplains. The appropriate Chaplain/religious representative should be called immediately. The on-call hospital Chaplain should always be informed of the death of a child. He/she may not be needed to give immediate help to the family, but may be able to offer support to staff, or to contact the family later .


FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHILDREN

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR BABIES WHO DIE BEFORE 24 WEEKS GESTATION

Parents whose baby is delivered on the Labour Ward should be informed about the Cremation service for pre-24 week babies which is held monthly (usually the first Wednesday in each month) at Woking Crematorium. All babies will be included in this service (unless parents wish to make other arrangements). Parents are invited to attend the service for their baby. Up to 4 babies will be included in each service, each baby has his/her own coffin, and is prayed for individually. The hospital Chaplains (or the Patient Affairs Officer, ext. 2319 during office hours) can advise further.

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR STILLBORN BABIES

Parents will be required to register the stillbirth of their baby, and to do this they will first need an appointment with the Patient Affairs Officer (ext. 2319), who can help them with funeral arrangements. Some parents will prefer to leave the arrangements to the Hospital, and they will be offered the choice of a cremation or burial service. Others can be given help to make their own arrangements.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR NEO-NATAL BABIES AND CHILDREN

The hospitals Chaplains, or the Patient Affairs Officer (ext. 2319) can always offer guidance to parents in making funeral arrangements for their child, or to staff who are more closely involved with the family.



ASHFORD & ST PETER'S HOSPITALS NHS TRUST

CHAPLAINCY SERVICES

THE HOSPITAL CHAPELS

ALL PATIENTS, STAFF AND VISITORS, WHETHER OR NOT THEY BELONG TO A PARTICULAR DENOMINATION OR FAITH ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND SERVICES AND TO USE THE CHAPELS AT ANYTIME FOR PRAYER AND QUIET.

ASHFORD HOSPITAL

THE ASHFORD HOSPITAL CHAPEL/QUIET ROOM is on the Ground Floor of the Hospital, near the main Hospital entrance, and opposite ARNOLD WARD . The Chapel is open from 8.00am – 6.00pm each day. Security staff will unlock it at other times if needed.

ST PETER'S HOSPITAL

THE ST PETER'S HOSPITAL CHAPEL is on the level 2 corridor in the Prince Edward Wing, at the rear of Accident Centre. Access is from the main Hospital, and those coming from the Abbey Wing can use the walkway. The Chapel is open from 8.00am - 6.00pm each day. Security staff will unlock it at other times if needed. There is a small room adjacent to the Chapel which may be used as a Quiet Room.


CHAPEL SERVICES

ASHFORD HOSPITAL

Service times are advertised on the chapel notice board and in the hospital . Festival Services including the Christmas Carol Service and the St Luke's Day Service, (around 18 th October) are held in the Education Centre.

RADIO SERVICE - On the FIRST Sunday in each month there is a United Service of Christian Worship at 10.30am broadcast live from St Peter's Hospital Chapel on Hospital Radio Wey . Patients may wish to listen to the service from their bedside.

On the LAST Sunday in each month there is a UNITED service of Christian Worship at 3.00pm. Volunteers are available to help you get to the Chapel.

ST PETER'S HOSPITAL

Service times are advertised on the Chapel notice board and in the Hospital .

Holy Communion services are held on feast days, and during Advent and Lent. Festival services are held at Christmas, Easter, and on St Peter's Day (around 29 th June).

On the FIRST Sunday in each month there is a United Service of Christian Worship in the Chapel at 10.30am . Volunteers will visit the wards on Saturday afternoon to invite patients to the service and there will be a team of volunteer wheelchair pushers to collect patients on Sunday morning. The service is broadcast live on Hospital Radio Wey. Patients may wish to listen to the service from their bedside.

On the LAST Sunday each alternate month at 4pm there is a Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance for those who have died. Invitations to the service are issued by the Patient Affairs Office to those whose loved ones have died in Ashford or St. Peter's Hospitals, but this service is open to anyone who might find it helpful.



CARING FOR THE BAHA'I PATIENT

The Baha'i faith was established in Iran in 1844. The founder of the faith - BAHA'U'LLAH - taught that all the great religions come from God, and that they are all fulfilled in the Baha'i faith. The religion is now widespread, and there are about 200 Baha'i assemblies in the UK. Because members come from very diverse backgrounds a translator may sometimes be needed. Baha'is have a great respect for Doctors, and are encouraged to seek the best medical care when they are ill.

SIGNIFICANT TERMS

NAWRUZ - Baha'i New Year Festival, celebrated on the 21 st March.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

DIET - There are no special dietary prohibitions, and although some Baha'i may be vegetarian, this is of their own choosing, and not a religious requirement. The Baha'i will not drink alcohol, except when prescribed by a Doctor.

FASTING - Members of the Baha'i faith fast from sunrise to sunset each year from 2 nd March - 20 th March. Those who are sick, young children, the elderly and expectant mothers are exempt from this fast, but some patients may still wish to observe it by eating only before sunrise and after sunset. It is helpful to remember that this is a significant time for them. The period of fasting is used to mark the end of the old year, and to make spiritual preparation for the new year, which begins on 21 st March.

PRAYER

Members of the Baha'i faith are required to say an obligatory prayer each day, and to read from the Scriptures of the faith every morning and evening. In illness they are officially exempted from obligatory prayer but they have a great belief in the power of prayer in healing, and the patient may therefore greatly appreciate the opportunity for some privacy in prayer.

AS DEATH APPROACHES

There are no clergy in the Baha'i faith, but each assembly has its own leaders. It may be that the patient, or the patient's family may appreciate the presence of their own spiritual leaders, and it would simply be helpful to discuss this with them. They will almost certainly know how to make contact with their own religious representative.

LAST OFFICES

The body of the deceased must be treated with great respect. Last Offices may be performed according to the usual procedure, and the body washed and wrapped in plain cotton or silk. A special ring will be placed on the patient's finger, and this must not be removed. There is no religious objection to Post-mortem examination, and organ donation is regarded as very commendable. Baha'is object to cremation, and burial should take place within one hour's journey of the place of death.

RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS

The Baha'i Nawruz - New Year festival on 21 st March, as described above, is very important in the Baha'i faith, and patients may long to be at home on this day.

EVERY MEMBER OF THE BAHA'I FAITH IS AN INDIVIDUAL AND PRACTICE MAY VARY.



CARING FOR THE BUDDHIST PATIENT

Buddhism was founded in the Indian sub-continent about 2500 years ago. Its founder became known as BUDDHA - the enlightened or awakened one. There are a growing number of Buddhists in Britain, from a variety of different schools.

SIGNIFICANT TERMS

NIRVANA - The state of infinite perfection which every individual Buddhist is seeking to achieve.

THERAVADA - The school of orthodox Buddhism.

MAHAYANA - The more liberal school of Buddhism of which ZEN BUDDHISM is a branch.

BHIKKU - Buddhist monk.

SANGHA - Buddhist monastic order to which both monks and nuns belong.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

DIET - Dietary views vary among Buddhists. Many are vegetarians because of their respect for all life.

HYGIENE - Some Buddhists have strict rules of hygiene, and need to wash before meditation, as well as after urination and defecation.

PAIN RELIEF - A Buddhist who is dying will usually wish to do so with and unclouded mind and may be reluctant to take pain relieving drugs. This may also apply to those who are not terminally ill. Careful explanation must be given so that it is understood that pain - relieving drugs need not impair the senses.

FASTING - Practice varies but most fasting days occur on New Moon and Full Moon days. Other festival days include Buddha's birthday, his enlightenment, and his first sermon. On these occasions many Buddhists would not wish to eat after 12 noon.

SLEEPING - Some Buddhists may prefer to sleep on the floor.

PRAYER

Many Buddhists will be accustomed to the practice of meditation, and would appreciate peace and quiet for this. Patients who are mobile could use a room adjacent to the Hospital Chapel. If the patient has a BUDDHA figure he/she may find great comfort in having it placed beside their bed together with flowers and an incense stick. The figure must be treated with great respect, and when put away should be placed high up or covered with a cloth. The Buddhist Scriptures must also be treated with respect and nothing placed on top of them.

AS DEATH APPROACHES

Buddhists believe that the state of mind at death will influence the character of rebirth. Therefore they will wish to achieve calm, buoyancy, and joy. Most Buddhist patients will wish their condition and progress to be explained to them with open-ness and honesty as this will enable them to make their own preparation for death. It is important that the patient/family is enabled to contact a Buddhist monk (preferably of the same school) as death nears. Most Buddhists will know how to do this. If the ministry of a Buddhist is not available they may accept the presence of the Hospital Chaplain.

TIBETAN BUDDHISM has a very strong following amongst westerners and Tibetan Buddhists may wish for part of the Tibetan Book of the Dead to be read to them as death approaches. Some form of chanting may be used to influence a peaceful state of mind and a single room would be appreciated. Buddhists will often demonstrate a very positive attitude towards death because it is seen as part of the life cycle leading ultimately to Nirvana.

LAST OFFICES

When a Buddhist patient dies it is important that a Buddhist monk is informed as soon as possible. Many Buddhist patients will have already given a "Who to contact" name. Ideally the body should not be moved before the minister arrives. The minister will wish to say prayers with the deceased and this may take up to an hour. All the usual last offices may be performed by the nursing staff. It would be appreciated if the nurse could speak to the deceased with respect and kindness, explaining what is being done for them. The body should be wrapped in a plain sheet.

Buddhists are usually cremated. There are no objections to post mortem or organ donation.

EVERY BUDDHIST PATIENT IS AN INDIVIDUAL AND PRACTICE MAY VARY.



CARING FOR THE CHRISTIAN SCIENTIST PATIENT

The Church of Christ, Scientist, was founded in 1879 by Mary Baker Eddy from New Hampshire, USA. She herself suffered from a great deal of ill health, and believed that she experienced personal healing after reading of the healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ in the New Testament. In 1875 she published her textbook now known as "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures". This book, and the Bible, are central to the practice of the Christian Science faith. To most people the faith is best known for its teaching about reliance on prayer alone for the healing of sickness and disease. When someone joins the Christian Science Church it is understood that there will be reliance on God for healing, rather than on medicines or surgery. There are over 200 Christian Science congregations in the UK.

Christian Scientists will not normally be treated in a hospital, but will seek treatment in a Christian Science Nursing Home, However, they may be admitted to hospital as a result of an accident or because of family and legal pressures. They will undergo medical treatment during pregnancy and allow medical treatment for their children in accordance with UK law.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

If he/she is in hospital voluntarily the Christian Scientist is likely to accept conventional medical treatment although he/she may request that therapy, including drug therapy, is kept to a minimum. Christian Scientists who are not in hospital voluntarily - e.g. they are there because they have suffered an accident - would often wish to be free from medical treatment. They will usually wish to contact a Christian Science practitioner to ask for treatment through prayer, and they will appreciate privacy for such treatment. They may request that transfer to a Christian Science Nursing home be effected as soon as possible.

DIET - There are no special dietary considerations. Alcohol is forbidden.

BLOOD TRANSFUSION - The Christian Scientist would have no objection to blood transfusion as such. However, they would regard it as a material method of treatment, and therefore in conflict with their reliance on spiritual means of healing alone. They would therefore not normally wish to be either a donor or a recipient.

CHILDREN - In accordance with the children's Act of 1989, parents would not object to a blood transfusion for their child, if doctors considered it essential.

PRAYER

Access to the Bible and Christian Science published works would be appreciated. Privacy - simply by closing the curtains - would be helpful for prayer and reading.

AS DEATH APPROACHES

Christian Science is kept free from ritual and there are no last rites. The presence of a Christian Science practitioner may be appreciated and the family should know how to contact an appropriate person.

LAST OFFICES

Last Offices should be performed as normal. Christian Scientists would prefer the body of a female to be handled by a female. Post-mortems would not be acceptable unless required by law. Organ donation would usually be prohibited. Cremation is usually chosen in preference to burial.

EACH CHRISTIAN SCIENCE PATIENT IS AN INDIVIDUAL AND PRACTICE MAY VARY.



CARING FOR THE CHRISTIAN PATIENT

Christians broadly agree on the basics of their faith but vary in its practice. There are a number of Christian denominations represented in this country, the largest of which is the CHURCH OF ENGLAND or ANGLICAN church. Although many who describe themselves as CHURCH OF ENGLAND may not attend church regularly, others are very committed to their faith. About 10% of the population are ROMAN CATHOLIC , and many ROMAN CATHOLICS are very devout. A large number of Christian worshippers attend a FREE CHURCH ( e.g. Methodist, Baptist, United Reform, Congregational, Presbyterian, Salvation Army, Pentecostal, Community Church, Church of Scotland) . There are also a number of ORTHODOX Christians in Britain, mainly of Greek, Russian and Serb nationalities, most of whom will be in touch with their own Priest, or may accept the ministry of the R.C./C. of E. Chaplain. Many Christians will expect to see a Chaplain of their own denomination during their hospital stay, and it is important that this opportunity is offered.

SIGNIFICANT TERMS

HOLY COMMUNION/THE SACRAMENT - the receiving of bread and wine symbolising the body and blood of Jesus is important in most Christian traditions, and may be especially so to a dying patient. The appropriate Chaplain can bring the communion to the bedside.

ANOINTING/THE SACRAMENT OF THE SICK - the use of Holy oil to make the sign of the cross on the patient's forehead. This is very important, especially in the ROMAN CATHOLIC church, and in some ANGLICIAN traditions. It is sometimes called the LAST RITES but can be asked for at anytime.

CONFESSION - the making of peace with God in the presence of a priest. Again, this is especially important in the ROMAN CATHOLIC church, and in some ANGLICAN traditions.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

BIBLE - Christians often expect to find a Bible available to them in hospital. These are normally placed in the bedside locker by the Gideons, or the Chaplain can provide one if needed.

DIET - There are some Christians who wish to observe Friday as a no meat day, and they should be offered a vegetarian alternative. Some Christians may wish to fast before receiving Holy Communion. Some Christians would wish to fast on ASH WEDNESDAY.

PRAYER

Prayer is of great importance to devout Christians, although there are no specific times for prayer. Some patients will appreciate the bed curtains drawn when they pray. Some may wish to see the Chaplain for prayer/Holy Communion before an operation. If so it is essential that the relevant Chaplain is called. Some Christians bring a rosary (prayer beads), cross or crucifix, small icon (religious painting), or a vessel of Holy Water into hospital with them. These must be treated with respect.

AS DEATH APPROACHES

Prayers for the dying, or prayers to commit those who have died to God's care, may be appreciated both by committed Christians, (especially those of the ROMAN CATHOLIC faith) and by those who would not necessarily regard themselves as "religious". If the patient or family request this the appropriate Chaplain should be called. Parents of babies who are stillborn, or who die before 24 weeks of gestation should always be offered the ministry of a Chaplain to bless their child. Often BAPTISM is requested for babies or children, and occasionally adults, when death is thought to be imminent. The Hospital Chaplain of the appropriate denomination should be called immediately. In the absence of the Chaplain a member of staff may perform an emergency baptism, using the words "I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.", sprinkling water on the patient's forehead, and making the sign of the cross. All emergency baptisms must be reported to the Chaplain.

LAST OFFICES

These are performed according to normal procedure. There are no objections on religious grounds to post-mortems or organ donation. The deceased will be buried or cremated according to preference.

RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS

Easter and Christmas are the most important festivals. Patients should if possible be helped to attend Chapel services at these times, or the Chaplain be called to their bedside. There are other festivals during the year, and patients may wish to see a Chaplain at these times. Sunday is an important day of worship.

EVERY CHRISTIAN PATIENT IS AN INDIVIDUAL AND PRACTICE MAY VARY.

 

  Original Document (Acrobat PDF Format) 171KB
Page last updated: 6 August, 2005

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