Health Care Chaplaincy
BACKGROUND
The word Chaplain comes from the latin word for cloak. The chaplain is someone who shares support with those in the storms of life and offers spiritual protection in those storms. Hospitals continue to have their own chaplaincy teams that are changing and developing in accordance with the needs of society.
The Chaplain's role is to assist the hospital team in providing care for those in pain or trouble on their journey through life by offering appropriate pastoral, spiritual and/or religious care, with full respect for difference, diversity and need of each individual.
MULTI-FAITH CHAPLAINCY
We have sincere gratitude, respect and appreciation for the previous work of all Christian Chaplains who have already worked tirelessly in establishing a chaplaincy role within the NHS. We thank them for their kindness in inviting us to work together in our everchanging multi-cultural, multi-faith society.
This inclusive approach enables the work of chaplaincy spiritual-care to bring benefit to all world faiths and to as wide a variety of people as possible, whether of a particular faith or none.
Our Kadampa Chaplaincy Programme was established in 2003 with this in mind and our contribution of inner peace, care and compassion are ongoing as we evolve with the changing, modern world.
PARITY & RESPONSIBILITY
Just as in the Christian Faith there is parity between the various denominations, and the powers of authorisation and development of the chaplain remain with the denomination itself, so we as Kadampa Buddhists are dedicated to the same model in Buddhism.
With parity comes balance, respect and individual commitment and responsibility by each denomination to self-regulatory systems to bring best practice for NHS requirements and best ways forward for developing and maintaining safe practice for all.
Kadampa Buddhist Chaplains
In accordance with NHS requirements to safeguard patients, visitors and staff, Kadampa Chaplains subscribe to a system of self-regulation to ensure maximum benefit and safe practice within the NHS and other health care establishments. For as long as our chaplains are part of a chaplaincy team they remain committed to:
- Follow the Code of Conduct for Health Care Chaplains (CHCC, AHPCC, SACH, 2nd Edition, 2005)
- Implement the Generic Criteria Framework for Chaplains (Entry/Practitioner Levels - Assessors Review 2005)
- Develop in accordance with NHS National Profiles for Chaplains (Entry/Practitioner Levels)
- Engage in regular Buddhist study and retreat in accordance with the Foundation Programme (FP), or Teacher Training Programme (TTP) of the NKT-IKBU.
- Committed to the fundamentals of Buddhism; hold refuge in the Three Jewels - Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha - to distinguish them as a member of the Buddhist Faith.
SUCCESS
Over the years we have developed a good relationship with many NHS chaplaincy teams, managers, patients and visitors. They have commended our work and continue to do so - both individually and collectively. We appreciate these comments and use them to inspire us to continue building on what we have already accomplished.
Our motivation for doing our chaplaincy work is compassion for all, and we have a commitment in Kadampa Buddhism to train in this every day with wisdom, to develop ourselves and bring benefit to others. We are fortunate to have this opportunity and to offer our services of visiting and meditation to the NHS and other health care establishments