AYRSHIRE'S health board will launch a formal system for ‘spiritual care and wellbeing’ before the end of the year.

A report to NHS Ayrshire and Arran outlined the framework that forms part of the new strategy, including support around bereavement, staff, hospitals, and neo-natal services.

In it, Andy Gillies, head of spiritual care, staff care and person-centred care, stated: “The Scottish Government have significantly broadened an articulate definition of spiritual care as a key aspect of health and outlined the obligations upon health boards around service provision of spiritual care services.

“They have also produced a national framework which also has implications for social care.

“At present NHS Ayrshire and Arran is providing high quality spiritual care services but has no framework to house, define, sustain and meaningfully shape that work.”

The Scottish Government framework outlines the aspects of care that will form the main priorities.

The report continued: “This will lead to a number of positive outcomes for patients, staff and the people of Ayrshire and Arran.

“By integrating such a person-centred and holistic approach to care and holding as central the human rights and dignity of people.”

In a foreword to the framework, Lesley Bowie, chair of the health board, said: “In times of change and uncertainty we can forget the heart of things, for me the heart is always about valuing people, whatever their background, whoever they are.

“Just like the spiritual centre of the NHS – a place of free, compassionate healthcare for people at the point of need. Here in Ayrshire and Arran we take encouragement and direction from listening to what matters to people.

“This is important because what health means from one person to another can vary significantly. We find out by listening.

“Having worked closely with our spiritual care team in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, I realise spiritual wellbeing is no different. Over the years, it has represented a range of things to our communities including and beyond faith and belief. It’s about how we find meaning, hope and purpose in our lives.

“By listening to each other and ourselves about what gives us a sense of connection and where our meaningful relationships are located, we often find our spiritual wellbeing.

“I am delighted to share this framework which celebrates the scale and scope of our role as a health board in providing support for and learning from the people of Ayrshire and Arran around spiritual wellbeing over the next five years."

The report calls for the team to:

  • Foster a culture of compassion and improved patient outcomes through collaboration, promotion and celebration of person-centred practice.
  • Prioritise key areas of acute need for specialist spiritual care provision (such as palliative and neonatal care)
  • Lead and coordinate support for people who have experienced bereavement or loss across NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
  • Care for those who care for others – keeping staff well connected, and supported in their working roles both individually and within teams.
  • Recognise and map spiritual assets across green space, places of worship.
  • Work with community partners by utilising the values of spiritual care in assessing and meeting spiritual needs.
  • Lead an innovative approach to spiritual care education by developing networks of support and formation within the health service, and across higher education.