Catholics in Healthcare
An informal network for catholic healthcare workers to share information and discussion. There are many Catholics working in the NHS, and for many Catholics working in healthcare is an important part of living out their life and calling. This network will help people share information and find out about resources, events, workshops and the work of Catholics in Healthcare.
Catholics in Healthcare is both a web based resource and a network of healthcare professionals in the NHS and independent sectors, designed to help Catholics working in health and social care fields in England and Wales to network with others, access resources and support, and live out their vocation as skilled, effective and committed care workers.
Many Catholics work in the health service, in all disciplines and fields, and Catholic hospital chaplains provide a vital ministry. The contribution that the Church can make to ensure that the good of the human person is always placed at the heart of the health system cannot be overestimated.
We are working on a range of projects, and you will find:
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Developing good practice guidance on issues like chaplaincy, providing pastoral care for catholic patients etc. You will find much of this on our website www.catholicsinhealthcare.org.uk
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The provision of a better structured basis to enable Catholic hospital chaplaincy to thrive with integrity in the fast changing world of the National Health Service.
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The creation of a multi-disciplinary network or association to better enable the many lay Catholics working in healthcare to find mutual support.
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The articulation of a Catholic spirituality of healthcare in the 21st Century.
Launch of Research Project
As part of the Healthcare Reference Group's programme we are working on a research project aimed at understanding how the NHS works with its employees and patients of faith. The preliminary findings of this will be presented at the Faith in Health Conference 3 - 5 July 2008. For a copy of the interim report when ready contact liz.taite@cbcew.org.uk
Events
We will be present on Stall B33 at the 2008 NHS Confederation Conference and will be holding an informal networking event on 18 June at 3pm in the Charles Halle Room, Bridgewater Hall, immediately opposite the conference venue
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Faith in Health - a major event on health and faith, and sustaining professionalism in today's NHS
Visit the website or download the flyer (PDF, 1.0MB)
Resources
There are a number of resources and publications available for download. Some of these are in the Caring for the Catholic Patient series. Others include parliamentary briefings given to MPs and Lords and brief practice guides on issues like managing religious diversity.
Caring for the Catholic Patient
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Chaplaincy - A guide for NHS Managers and Trusts - explains how to work in partnership with the NHS and Church to provide a well governed and professional chaplaincy service (PDF, 718KB)
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The Mental Capacity Act and Living Wills - a guide (PDF, 309KB)
Other Resources
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Healthcare Reference Group Strategy, updated June 2008 (Word, 237KB)
Parliamentary Briefings
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Briefing 1 - RC Chaplains (PDF, 109KB)
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Briefing 2 - Data Protection (PDF, 103KB)
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Briefing 3 - Spirituality (PDF, 101KB)
Network website: www.catholicsinhealthcare.org.uk
Network contact: Jim McManus, jim.mcmanus@nhs.net, tel. 0208 532 6216