Jersey Hospice appoints new Spiritual Care Lead

Friday 01 July 2022

Jersey Hospice Care has appointed a former Palliative Care Nurse as their new Spiritual Care Lead.

In this new role, Emily Churchill will build upon the holistic and spiritual care available to patients, their families and those closest to them.

She will also be providing support to her colleagues to help them in their roles.

According to Jersey Hospice, Spiritual care is a core pillar of a holistic approach to providing the best possible hospice care to patients and encompasses many areas. Many patients with a life-limiting illness or who are receiving end of life care draw strength or comfort from their spirituality. 

As Spiritual Care Lead, Ms Churchill will support patients, their family and friends, as they take a closer look at their core beliefs and values at what can be a very difficult time. 

Pictured: Emily in the sanctuary at the Hospice.

This may be in the form of chaplaincy support for patients with faith traditions, or for those who do not identify with specific beliefs or a religion, it offers space to make sense of their lives, of the world and their relationships with other people.

“When we go through big changes, loss or hard times in life we often look to and draw upon these deep-rooted resources within ourselves to help us to make sense of the new circumstance," Ms Churchill said.

“At Hospice, I am here to help our patients navigate these feelings and beliefs or tap into them for comfort and strength.”

Hilary Hopkins, Director of Palliative Care Services, added: “We are all delighted to be working with Emily to build upon this vital part of our holistic care services. 

“We continue to ensure the best possible care is available for our patients and I can already see just how instrumental this new position is going to be for everyone for whom we care.”