Abstract:

Spiritual care is no longer an option in the 21 st century NHS, with “Spiritual wellbeing” now included in the World Health Organisation's definition of Health. Within the last 6 years the NHS in Scotland has seen the publication of several key documents to support this concept. There has also been a rapidly accumulating wealth of scientific evidence linking religion and spirituality to both better health and improved healthcare outcomes. One researcher described the link as demonstrating the rediscovered concept of “Mindbody”, illustrating the unity of mind, body, and spirit/soul which the ancient mystical traditions have understood for millennia. The Scottish Government's recently launched Patient Experience Programme will provide an opportunity for Healthcare Chaplains to demonstrate that care of the spirit is also care of the “Mindbody” - and thus provide patients with the ultimate healthcare experience.

Author: Geoff Lachlan