Principle 1
The Nature of Healthcare Chaplaincy

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Multifaceted

The work Chaplains and Pastoral Care Workers is multifaceted, combining a broad range of health concerns that incorporate behavioural, emotional, physical and spiritual perspectives of patients, families and staff.

This role requires a high level of training and professional expertise in matters relating to

• spiritual guidance,

• management,

• accreditation and

• quality improvement in the healthcare setting.

Inclusive

The emergence of a multi-cultural and multi-faith society has resulted in underlying approaches be adapted in order for them to be relevant and appropriate to other world faiths and wider spiritualities.

A primary purpose of health-care Chaplains is to provide equal, just, humane and respectful practices that meet the spiritual and religious needs of people of all faiths and people of no particular faith tradition.

Proactive inclusion

The proactive inclusion of the spiritual needs of patients and their families in the everyday team management of cases ultimately improves the quality of care being offered to patients and their families. Holistic healthcare sees spiritual care as integral to the process of healing and not as an addendum to other biomedical protocols.

Chaplaincy Involves

All activities in support of pastoral, spiritual and religious care of patients, their families and staff.

Use of the term “Chaplain”

The term ‘chaplain’ should be understood to include all appropriately accredited spiritual caregivers.

Autonomy

Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Teams are largely autonomous, responsible to the Hospital Administration and acting with its authority, advising the Administration on matters relating to the religious, spiritual and pastoral concerns of the hospital community. In general, Chaplains and Pastoral Care Workers operate independently within the hospitals without being part of the Department of Health or directly in the employ of any Area Health Service.

Trust and Confidentiality

It is critical for their effectiveness that they maintain this autonomy.

The level of trust and confidentiality between Chaplains and Pastoral Care Workers and patients must be preserved at all times.