Caring for patients at home, in our Sunflower Centres and on our In-Patient Unit
What is Spiritual Care?
St Margaret’s holistic care includes care for the whole person – body, mind and spirit. Spiritual Care honours the human spirit and cares for each individual as a spiritual person. Spiritual Care is about what gives meaning to our lives and includes love, hope, forgiveness and all kinds of emotional
strength. Some people may find their source of meaning in a higher being like God, while many others derive their spiritual nourishment from the natural world, the arts, family and friends, hobbies and more.
But for all of us, facing or being alongside a life-limiting illness can be daunting, raise questions and arouse emotions.
Who provides Spiritual Care at St Margaret’s?
Spiritual care is an integral part of the holistic care provided by all members of our clinical teams caring for patients at home, in our Sunflower Centres and on our In-Patient Unit, with specialist support provided by our Spiritual Care Support Team.
The Spiritual Care Support Team works closely alongside our doctors, nurses and therapists.
Spiritual Care for People of Faith/Followers of Spiritual Pathways
We endeavor to support members of all religious faiths and beliefs, either through the ministry of the Spiritual Care Support Team or through liaising with leaders and members of other faiths/spiritual communities. With the agreement of individual patients or families, faith leaders are welcome on the In-Patient Unit to minister to patients known to them.
Prayer, Holy Communion and other Sacraments of the Christian Church are all readily available. Special services can be arranged including the Blessing of a Marriage, Baptism and Confirmation. The Spiritual Care Coordinator can be available to conduct funerals.
Our Sanctuaries
The Sanctuaries in both hospices are neutral spiritual spaces open to all, offering a place to draw apart and be still.
With this in mind, St Margaret’s has invested in a room in each hospice, developed in consultation with patients, staff and volunteers. Both rooms have small multi-faith symbols discreetly available to those who wish to use them for prayer and worship.
Spiritual Care for Staff and Volunteers
The Spiritual Care Support Team is available to support all members of staff and volunteers. Please contact the Spiritual Care Coordinator in the first instance.
Light up a Life Service
Our annual Light up a Life Service is streamed from St Margaret’s in early December and is available on our website following the service.
Spiritual Care