In May, Willen Hospice in Milton Keynes celebrated Dying Matters Awareness Week by inviting local representatives from a range of faiths to a discussion event at their Hospice cafe.
They wanted to find out how different faiths approach death, dying and bereavement, so that they can better care for patients and loved ones who may have specific needs related to beliefs.
Diversity and inclusion strategist Gamiel Yafai was the facilitator for the evening, and a panel of speakers was arranged by Kurshida Mirza BEM, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire. Kurshida has seven chaplains of different faiths who act as her advisers in her role, so the event included representatives from the Bahá’í faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism.
Guests were welcomed by the Hospice’s Chief Executive, Kate Broadhurst; Director of Clinical Services, Kike Pinheiro; and award-winning entrepreneur Shalom Lloyd MBE, who is currently collaborating with the Hospice and champions diversity in all she does.
The discussion covered a range of topics, including beliefs and rituals around death, how Hospice staff can accommodate religious practices, and how they can respect faith traditions and sensitivities in their care.
Here are some of the insights the speakers shared:
Being clear upfront – Hospice staff should encourage open conversations at an early stage, so that patients and their families can be clear about their spiritual care needs. This means staff can work together with families to make sure those needs are met. It also presents an opportunity to discuss where there is flexibility and where there isn’t. For example, some rituals may be more time- or place-critical than others.
Deeper understanding of a patient’s spirituality – Speaking with a patient about their beliefs about death allows Hospice staff to adapt their approach and offer appropriate support. For example, some may view death with sadness and as an ending, whereas others may see it as a celebration and the beginning of a rebirth.
Deeper understanding of families’ needs – Patients’ families may have a specific role to play in their loved one’s death. The Hospice may be able to offer support with this, such as by giving time or space.
Nuance within religions – Not everyone of the same religion will follow it in the same way. There is much nuance, so a general approach can’t be applied. Equally though, Hospice staff can understand the general ‘spirit’ of a religion and its main tenets.
Attitudes to treatment and care – Some patients may have strong opinions about taking pain relief or other medication or treatment because of their spiritual beliefs. Similarly, they may feel strongly about how and where they’re cared for, particularly if their beliefs centre around being looked after by family.
Enabling rituals at the right time – When a patient is dying, there might be specific rituals, readings or chanting that are crucial to their faith and need to take place at a particular moment. This may involve a family member or a local representative from a faith group.
Regardless of faith, or any other factors, the Hospice always respect patients’ individuality. Every one of its patients is different and they are treated as so. Patients are assessed holistically, to make sure the Hospice is providing care and support in a way that suits the person.
With the learning gained from this event, the Hospice can start to improve the spiritual aspect of those conversations and assessments, and have more confidence in talking openly with patients and their families.
Willen Hospice was grateful to everyone who attended the event, shared their insight and listened. Clinical teams are committed to building on this initial discussion and exploring how they can continue to work together with faith groups to ensure the Hospice offers the best possible care to everyone in the local community.
———————–
This article is republished from the Willen Hospice website with permission
Leave a Reply